Hey Guys, need some date and hotel help!

[Tovin]

I used to live in San Diego, and went to Disneyland every month (except summer....*shudders). My husband has NEVER been, though he's gone to WDW! I want him to experience "Walt's Park" and show him the things that I love.

It was a requirement to go back for the 50th (having been there for the 25th!), of course, and now, Year of A Million Dreams, how can I say no?

We can either go April 27-30 or April 29th-May 2nd. We haven't decided which hotel yet, though we know we're staying on property (my first time). [Edit - Our 1 year wedding anniversary is on the 29th!]

Either way, Spash Mountain is closed, and we get to see the Electrical Parade. But I'm wondering if the later hours might be worth it, even on a weekend, and with the parade going on, we can see it once or twice and then wander the park for the other nights.

I would really appreciate some input!

Also, hotel-wise - I've never stayed on property!! I'm looking for something a little more adult, but NOT formal!! I'll be at DISNEYLAND! *dances*

I turn into a big kid...seriously!

Any help would be wonderful!

Thank you!

T

 

[kaoden39]

I am stayong onsite at the DLH this trip. Years ago when the PP was not a Disney property I stayed there. I have never stayed at the GCH the time and the price are never quite right for six of us. But I digress. I am a big fan of the DLH for the family it has the Tinkerbell glow in the dark wallpaper trim in the rooms making it have that pixie glitter feeling. I have a feeling though that maybe the GCH is more romantic for couples. Either way you should have a great anniversary.

Michele

 

[Tovin]

Thanks!

We've decided on the 27-30th, barring anyone's "OMG DON'T DO THAT!" post! This way we'll already be in the swing of things by the 29th, we can catch the Electric Parade at DCA, and we'll be able to see the DL parade more then once, AND wander the park once while it's going on! Yes, I'm a parade freak.

Just a few more questions! =)

EE is offered on Saturday at DL last I looked (mere moments ago!). Will we get a slip at check-in allowing us to take part in this, or do we need to ask?

Also, if we stay at GCH (we're not paying....company is!! WOO!) will they let us in a bit early to do Soarin'? I read this somewhere, but wasn't sure if it's true.

Lastly, how easy is it to get from GCH to DD, and DL? And is it easy to get back to your room and back into DCA? Since we're not paying for it, I have NO problem staying wherever will be the most fun and enjoyable!

Thanks again!!

T

 

[Tovin]

*blushes*

Well, looks like plans have changed! *pulls her hair out*

Sorry for bumping my own thread!

After much research, I think I've switched to the Disneyland Hotel. I want something with a true Disney feel, and I figured this would be the best bet.

And now I'm reconsidering the dates! The food and wine thing will be at DCA starting the weekend we're going, and I'm wondering if maybe it will make the parks a little crazy? Would waiting for Sun-Wed be better?

*blushes again*

Thanks guys....

T

 

[lulubelle]

Tovin-
May I ask where you found info on the Food & Wine events at DCA? I have been waiting for an announcement for this years events as we went to a few paid and unpaid events last year the first of May and had a fabulous time. I am so hoping they continue this each and every year. Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated - Thanks!

P.S. Oh, and I would choose the Grand over DL Hotel anyday, honest!

 

[kaoden39]

How nice that the company is paying for it. Take advantage of it. Getting to DD, DL, and DCA from any of the hotels is easy. Enjoy your trip. I think I would take the trip with the days in the middle of the week then you have a better chance at a little less crowded time.

Michele

 

[Tovin]

lulubelle, since I'm a new member I can't post links yet, since I'm a new user, I'll PM you the information!


I'm really leaning towards the weekend, for the longer hours, and I think Disney at night is SO magical! I am so concerned about crowds though....Do you guys think it will be very busy?

 

[abby]

We fix the crowded weekend, vs weekday issue by having our first day be a Sunday (longer hours) and then Monday and Tuesday. best of both worlds, or Sat to Tuesday.....

 

[ScooterL]

Tovin-
May I ask where you found info on the Food & Wine events at DCA? I have been waiting for an announcement for this years events as we went to a few paid and unpaid events last year the first of May and had a fabulous time. I am so hoping they continue this each and every year. Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated - Thanks!

It's on Disney's web site, though I found it by going to Google and searching for "Disney food and wine weekends".
http://www.disneysfoodandwineweekends.com

They say the schedule is *supposed* to be up in late February...well guys, we're almost there!!! They DID just change the logo in the last week or so, though - it was last year's logo originally, even though it had this year's dates.

We weren't able to attend any of the special events last year, so I'm looking forward to trying some of them this year! I'm hoping they will publicize it a little better this year.

Tovin, I wouldn't worry about crowds being crazy - last year it didn't have any effect on crowds as far as I could tell. Most people attending the free events I went to (food demos and wine tasting) seemed to be annual passholders.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Hi Tovin



Sounds like you will have a great trip!

I have never stayed at the GCH but it is beautiful. One day maybe!

I do like the pixie dust and Peter Pan feeling at DLH. It just feels magical.

I think you will miss most of the spring break crowds so while it might be crowded it might not be horrible.

BTW I like your reasoning. We went for the 25th so we had to go to the 50th and now with YOMD! Sounds like me. I tend to say things like well there is a Sunday in March so lets go celebrate it at Disneyland.

 

[lulubelle]

Tovin,
Got your PM - thanks so much. That was very sweet of you! I called the Disney Dining # today to ask when the events will be posted. She said the schedule will be on the website this Friday (the 23rd), but they will not take ressies until March 1. And they only take ressies via the website as you have to pay with a Credit Card and Disney Dining does not take CC's. She put me on hold three times for like 50 years to ask about the event because she had no clue. So, I take what she said with a grain of salt. But thinking back, I did book last year on the website with a CC. I can't wait! Sorry to hijack your post, Tovin, onward with your planning!

 

[Teyedoubleguhrrrr]

Tovin -
We have stayed at GC twice now (coming from NY) - and have LOVED it so much. It has that "grown up" yet magical Disney feel that you really want AND it is so close to both parks (this was key for us since we have two little ones - legs get tired!) Last time our room was right over the World of Disney store - and I thought the girls were going to try and tunnel into the store from above they were so excited. The balconies on the rooms are also nice - especially if you have one that faces into a courtyard. Just a really cool experience. My husband also found the advantage of GC is that if you go on Grizzly two or three times in a row and are soaked - its a lot closer to get changed and dry - especially if it is chilly. For me, GC reminded me of WL at WDW a bit (being a former cast member there). While I loved the pool at DLH (very magical), I thought that GC spoke volumes of Disney's commitment to excellence - it is perfect and I don't think we would stay anywhere else now when we are in CA.

For the EE to DCA - you have to present your room key (at least we did this summer), and Soarin' is one of the ones that opens pretty early.

Will your company allow you to reserve through AAA? Then you could buy their tickets and get the "unlimited FastPass" option if it is crowded (meaning you can hold more than one attraction's FP at a time). Just a thought.

In any case have a FABULOUS TIME!!!

 

[mott]

Just a quick note to add that we stayed at the GCH when it first opened - it was actually the cheapest hotel (never again ). I think it definitely has Disney Magic on an adult level. It's in a great location for both parks and DD. I would LOVE to stay there again!

 

[TwingleMum]

Keep in mind that the GC is the most expensive of the 3 DLR hotels so if the company was paying for it thats the one I would try. Also GC has a private entrance into DCA right into the park. It is the only Disney Hotel in the world to be right in a theme park. I also don't think you can go wrong with either DH or GC. Keep us posted. I've done F&W at WDW and it was great.