Going for Tourn. Rose Parade Jan 2013...staying in DL....help!

[njmomboys2]

Hi there..my son's marching band was selected to march in the 2013 Tournament of Rose Parade!!!! So we are going out there Dec. 28th-Jan 2nd to see him in the parade!!

Fortunately my folks are DVC members so we are staying at Grand California in a 1 bedroom.

We were out in DL back in 2005 but I know lots have changed.

Right now we are planning 2 days in the parks....so any thoughts on:

1) How crowded will it be? Dec 29th/Dec. 30th? Similiar to Dw over Christmas?
2) What restaurants would you suggest for dinner? It will be 5 of us..me, DH, DS (age 13) and my folks (67 & 70).
3) What nighttime shows are there? His band was selected to march in the Parade at DL so will be doing that for SURE!!!!!
4) How long is the drive from Anaheim to Pasadena?
5) What about the drive from LAX to Anaheim?
6) Grocery store recommendations in the area..since we have a full kitchen plan on doing breakfast and lunch in the room.

Any other great holiday tips/tricks?? Thanks!!!!!!

 

[chand309]

In light traffic it's about an hour from Anaheim to Pasadena on the 57 and 210. Avoid the 5 if there's any chance of traffic. The holidays are very crowded. The rest of your questions can be answered at the GCH and Disneyland Resort websites.

Hope this helps and enjoy Pasadena.

 

[cyclenut]

Hi there..my son's marching band was selected to march in the 2013 Tournament of Rose Parade!!!! So we are going out there Dec. 28th-Jan 2nd to see him in the parade!!

Fortunately my folks are DVC members so we are staying at Grand California in a 1 bedroom.

We were out in DL back in 2005 but I know lots have changed.

Right now we are planning 2 days in the parks....so any thoughts on:

1) How crowded will it be? Dec 29th/Dec. 30th? Similiar to Dw over Christmas?
2) What restaurants would you suggest for dinner? It will be 5 of us..me, DH, DS (age 13) and my folks (67 & 70).
3) What nighttime shows are there? His band was selected to march in the Parade at DL so will be doing that for SURE!!!!!
4) How long is the drive from Anaheim to Pasadena?
5) What about the drive from LAX to Anaheim?
6) Grocery store recommendations in the area..since we have a full kitchen plan on doing breakfast and lunch in the room.

Any other great holiday tips/tricks?? Thanks!!!!!!

Those dates are some of the most crowded all year, partly due to the visiting teams and bands for the rose bowl and parade. You will still have an awesome time though, just be aware of the crowds and plan accordingly.

As for grocery stores, most people seem to talk about using Von's delivery, we shop at Von's but don't do the delivery. Good place with reasonable prices. They are a Safeway brand.

Not sure what you are asking about regarding meals. For a party of 5, your options are wide open. You can eat in the park, in DTD, at Storytellers at GCh or a number of different places along Harbor or Katella.

Remember though that these days the parks may near capacity and if the reach that capacity, re-entry could be a problem. Not as likely for dinner but very possible around lunch. I would suggest doing breakfast in the room before you leave, pack a lunch and take it into the park with you and plan to eat dinner in the park.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

Hi there..my son's marching band was selected to march in the 2013 Tournament of Rose Parade!!!! So we are going out there Dec. 28th-Jan 2nd to see him in the parade!!

Fortunately my folks are DVC members so we are staying at Grand California in a 1 bedroom.

We were out in DL back in 2005 but I know lots have changed.

Right now we are planning 2 days in the parks....so any thoughts on:

1) How crowded will it be? Dec 29th/Dec. 30th? Similiar to Dw over Christmas?
2) What restaurants would you suggest for dinner? It will be 5 of us..me, DH, DS (age 13) and my folks (67 & 70).
3) What nighttime shows are there? His band was selected to march in the Parade at DL so will be doing that for SURE!!!!!
4) How long is the drive from Anaheim to Pasadena?
5) What about the drive from LAX to Anaheim?
6) Grocery store recommendations in the area..since we have a full kitchen plan on doing breakfast and lunch in the room.

Any other great holiday tips/tricks?? Thanks!!!!!!

The nighttime shows are Fantasmic, World of Color, and the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

In light traffic it's about an hour from Anaheim to Pasadena on the 57 and 210. Avoid the 5 if there's any chance of traffic. The holidays are very crowded. The rest of your questions can be answered at the GCH and Disneyland Resort websites.

Hope this helps and enjoy Pasadena.

Its been years since we went to the parade, but be prepared to leave GCV VERRRRRY early in the morning to get to Pasadena, park and get to your places before the 8 AM start time. -- Suzanne