Hello all! Trying to plan my very 1st trip to DisneyLAND! ... HELP!

[ekidwell0001]

So, my DBF and I took a wonderful 10 day vacation to WDW in Orlando , but we are definetley two adventurous souls... We live in Northern Kentucky, so close to Cincinnati we can throw a rock to hit it! Well.... This coming may, we are graduating college and wanted a special trip. we have decided that we are going to drive cross country, then end up to see the mouse in CALIFORNIA! We will make many stops along the way, checking out other sites, but the goal is to get to Disneyland within two days of driving... (32 hours and 2188 miles from home, one way.) So my question to all of you very knowledgeable people of Cali, what is a nice, but not too expensive hotel off property and can anyone refer any great resturants on property??? If you need ANY tips on WDW let me know... This past trip we stayed on property in the value resorts, and it was my 18th trippie, so i know the ropes there, but i feel helpless trying to plan this Cali trip!! Any advice would be lovely!! TIA!

 

[pixiewings71]

You will find the absolute best rates with the best staff and nicest rooms at the Howard Johnson. What you want to do is get your local Entertainment Book and hold onto that card that comes with it. With that card you can get the amazing low rates of $59, $69 (new rate, I think this is right) or $74 per night depending on what view or perks you're looking for. You can find the availability of these rates at the HoJoAnaheim website (just search for HoJo Anaheim and you'll get it, I don't have the link saved at work) on their discussion boards. Call In House Reservations, ask for Jennifer or Lorealle and they will help you book your nights. You do not need the Ent Card to make your ressies, you do need it when you check in. Make sure when you call you get IN HOUSE reservations tho, do not go to the 1-800 line or you won't get those killer Ent Rates. The HoJo is a quick 7-10 min. walk depending your walking speed or you can take the ART instead. We always walk because it's not too far.

 

[TheAXIOM]

If you were looking for a nice sit-down restaurant in the parks, I would definitely recommend taking a stab at the Blue Bayou. I've only been there once, but I had a wonderful time there; the Southern atmosphere is beautiful, the food's delectable, and the service (at least from my one time there) is great!

The only drawback to that place though is that it's pretty pricey $$$. But if this is your first time in DL, I say why not give it a go!?

 

[pixiewings71]

I totally missed the restaurant question. Sorry!! We love BB too, for all the reasons The Axiom stated. We also like Rainforest Cafe and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in DTD.

 

[disney808]

You will find the absolute best rates with the best staff and nicest rooms at the Howard Johnson. What you want to do is get your local Entertainment Book and hold onto that card that comes with it. With that card you can get the amazing low rates of $59, $69 (new rate, I think this is right) or $74 per night depending on what view or perks you're looking for. You can find the availability of these rates at the HoJoAnaheim website (just search for HoJo Anaheim and you'll get it, I don't have the link saved at work) on their discussion boards. Call In House Reservations, ask for Jennifer or Lorealle and they will help you book your nights. You do not need the Ent Card to make your ressies, you do need it when you check in. Make sure when you call you get IN HOUSE reservations tho, do not go to the 1-800 line or you won't get those killer Ent Rates. The HoJo is a quick 7-10 min. walk depending your walking speed or you can take the ART instead. We always walk because it's not too far.

i second this hotel recommendation. I've never had a problem staying at this hotel. as for restaurants, it really depends on what u r looking for. everyone in this thread has made great suggestions! if your lookin for an amazing desert head to ESPN zone and order the cookie sunday!!!!!! lol

 

[TheAXIOM]

For more on that restaurant question, you could always go for Goofy's Kitchen too! It's all buffet, all the time, so if that's something you're into, a little more bang for your buck, that's another good place to go. There's a lot of great character interaction; last time we went included talking with Princess Jasmine, Chip and Dale, Goofy, and Cruella Deville [Our favorite of the night!!]. But if you're not into that you could try somewhere else.

Foodwise, they've got plenty! My family and I went during dinnertime, so I don't know much about lunch or breakfast, though I've heard breakfast's great there too. But they've got pretty much everything; several soups and salads, prime rib when we went, chinese, italian, even pizzas and pastas! And the desserts... Oh yes, they've got ice cream, eclairs, fruits, and plenty in between.

If I'm not mistaken, they also include gratuity in the check, so you wouldn't have to worry about tipping your server either.

Hope that helps too!

 

[ekidwell0001]

Great!!! Thanks for the info so far everyone!! Yes sounds like we will definetely be checking out that Howard Johnson... That looks amazing! You can see the monorail going through!!! As for what we like for food, well, we're definetely into character dinners and things, because it's just so fun even though we're both 21 yrs old! lol. Really, we're up to try just about anything... Heck, we're already going to drive cross country to even get there! But thanks so much for the info thus far, and if anyone has anything else, i'd gladly love to hear it!