Grand Canyon and Disneyland

[mlayton14]

Hello all , couple with 3 tween age girls planning a trip from east coast out west this summer. This will be first trip for us to the area. Was thinking of flying into Phoenix and driving to the Grand Canyon area for 3 nights. From what I gather , Williams Arizona would be a good central place to visit the canyon via train , and also have some fun things to do outside the canyon like a petting zoo, some Route 66 fun stuff, see a real night sky full of stars, maybe visit an old west ghost town somewhere? Just wondering if anyone stayed in Williams before, your experience , and whether you had a better idea for a central place to stay near Grand Canyon.

From there , im estimating a full days drive to disneyland for 6 days or so mostly for Disneyland and maybe a day at la joya to see the ocean and seals. Any good stops along the way from GC to Anaheim? Looks like all desert , need to make sure gas tank is full

Thank you

 

[GBRforWDW]

From what I gather , Williams Arizona would be a good central place to visit the canyon via train , and also have some fun things to do outside the canyon like a petting zoo, some Route 66 fun stuff, see a real night sky full of stars, maybe visit an old west ghost town somewhere? Just wondering if anyone stayed in Williams before, your experience , and whether you had a better idea for a central place to stay near Grand Canyon.

We stayed at the hotel that is attached to the train depot in Williams. That was about 5 years ago. The hotel was decent. They have a nice restaurant/bar with the ability to order to go if you'd rather eat in your room. We planned on going to the canyon area 2 days.

The first day we were up at 5am local time, it was 7am our time back home, we're in central time. We decided to just get up and dressed and drove up to the park. I think it was an hour drive. We beat the traffic and were among the first into the park on a holiday weekend. We left the car in a lot then walked some of the trails before hopping on a bus that takes you from point to point on the west side of the main village area. Then went back for lunch and used our car to drive to other places on the east side. We did dinner at a Native American restaurant east of the canyon, then went back to the canyon to try to catch sunset but just missed it. But if you stay out, there's no lights, so great opportunity for seeing stars. It was a bit scary driving through the park in the pitch black though, so dark other than car headlights, but we survived

The second day we took the train up. This took about 2 hours each way, which leaves about 5-6 hours of being in the park. It's a fun experience, we really enjoyed the train ride, but just prepare for a short park day if you plan to return same day.

You mentioned petting zoo, not sure if you've seen yet, but there's a bear park in Williams called Bearizona. We ended up not doing it, but it's something you can drive through:
https://www.bearizona.com/
They also have several route 66 diners in town and other things dedicated to route 66. Overall it's a nice little town and I would stay there again.

 

[China Expat]

Page Arizona is somewhat near GC ad has the famed Horseshoe Bend river view and the famed slot canyons of ANtelope Canyon.

 

[mlayton14]

Thanks for all the feedback , I’m thinking we skip the train for $700 and just drive - come and go as well like. Then maybe stop at Palm Springs for a couple of days which I hear is nice , then head to DLR

 

[NotTheBatesMotel]

We’ve been staying in Cottonwood AZ (hour and a half north of Phoenix) for the last month and love it because it’s 20 min from Sedona, 45 min from Flagstaff, 2 hours from the Grand Canyon and 15 minutes from Jerome. Everywhere you drive around here is stunning so the drive to the Grand Canyon is beautiful in itself. Jerome is perfect for the western ghost town (turned really cool offbeat town now) and one of the neatest places I’ve seen. Sedona is stunning too and something I think everyone should see if they can. My mom likes it more than the Grand Canyon!

 

[jimmymc]

I agree with skipping the train, or just doing it 1 day for the experience. Driving up is nice because you can see more of the canyon. Get there early so the line isn't too bad.

 

[NewlinsGhost]

We are doing this next week! Flying into Phoenix and spending the night - visiting an old friend in the area. Then we are driving to the Grand Canyon the next morning with a stop in Williams for lunch, and staying in Tusayan for 2 nights. Next, we are driving back to Phoenix and flying into John Wayne Airport for 4 days at Disneyland. Then flying back to the east coast via LAX. Lots of flights in a 1 week period!

We debated driving as well from GC, but car rental logistics and prices are ridiculous right now, so flying ended up being a better choice. I'll report back! This will be my family's first trip to the Grand Canyon and DLR

 

[mlayton14]

We are doing this next week! Flying into Phoenix and spending the night - visiting an old friend in the area. Then we are driving to the Grand Canyon the next morning with a stop in Williams for lunch, and staying in Tusayan for 2 nights. Next, we are driving back to Phoenix and flying into John Wayne Airport for 4 days at Disneyland. Then flying back to the east coast via LAX. Lots of flights in a 1 week period!

We debated driving as well from GC, but car rental logistics and prices are ridiculous right now, so flying ended up being a better choice. I'll report back! This will be my family's first trip to the Grand Canyon and DLR

Please do report back ! Where are you staying at DLR ? Have a great time

 

[lunaland]

We stayed in Williams and did the train excursion to the Grand Canyon. We loved it! There is entertainment on board and snacks. It's a pleasant ride and you end up right where you need to be to explore a little. I do tend go recommend it.

 

[mlayton14]

We stayed in Williams and did the train excursion to the Grand Canyon. We loved it! There is entertainment on board and snacks. It's a pleasant ride and you end up right where you need to be to explore a little. I do tend go recommend it.

cool , for us it would be approx $700 , and add 2 hours in transport time , so I think we gonna pass and just use our rent a car - but good to hear in case we change mind