Huge splurge help!

[Csgrandma]

We recently lost my MIL and mother within 5 months after a very rough year. This makes taking my 27 year old daughter and McQueen loving 6 year old grandson on a surprise trip worth the splurge. I booked the Grand Californian in a 1 bedroom suite. I booked the Discover the Magic tour, dinner at Goofys kitchen, breakfast at storytellers and VIP tour from 2-8 our first full day after the discover tour. We will be there from Sat afternoon, July 28 until Aug 1 when we head to SanDiego to see Seaworld, Wildlife Park and zoo. Please help me to make sure I don't miss something magical. Grandpa and I want this to be a trip to remember. After all we have 2 new angels flying with us on our first visit to Disneyland and CA.

I tried to book concierge but was told I need to wait until we get there for that request.

What would you book in my shoes? Thank so much for your help!

 

[nunzia]

I would add the Fantasmic! dessert package. I'd also get silhouettes done on Main Street and be sure and get lots of Photopass pictures so you can make and gift a scrapbook to your daughter and DGS..Memories are the best long term gift

 

[neiko486]

It sounds like you are planning an amazing trip!I would add lunch or dinner at a waterside table at the Blue Bayou.

Also, since you mentioned your grandson loves McQueen there is a store in downtown Disney called Ridemakerz where you can build custom remote control cars and they had several Cars characters available last time we were there.

 

[Girimama33]

Sorry for your losses....
Sounds like you are planning an amazing trip.

 

[MommyLove]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother and MIL.

I would definitely book the Disneyland Hotel over the Grand Californian. Your grandson will love it!! It's so magical with the Disney theming.

 

[Argento]

I would definitely book the Disneyland Hotel over the Grand Californian.

I'd have to agree if theming is the priority. The GCH is all about classy and upscale at the expense of theming. Also, the GCH is significantly closer to the parks with it, for all practical purposes, being literally inside the DCA. We favor proximity so we do the GCH.

 

[llump41]

Last year when I book PPH concierge I did it well before we checked in. I'd try calling again to book that if you can.

 

[engo]

((((Hugs))))

How about steering the Mark Twain and riding the Lily Belle? Both are special experiences enjoyed by kids/kids at heart and cost you nothing. If you are staying at GCH you may want to look into the Grand Quest, a scavenger hunt at the hotel. If your grandson is into Star Wars then the Jedi Training Academy will be talked about for a *long* time.

Have you looked into the Minnie and Friends character breakfast? They may have more characters than Storyteller. Our boys prefer dinner over breakfast at Storyteller, as they really enjoyed the "make your own pizza". Adults have the option of buffet or ordering from the menu.

Quick thought about the VIP tour. If you push it back by a couple of hours you might actually get to see F! without staking out a spot hours before, but if you have dessert lovers in your group then I would go with the F! dessert.

You may also want to call the Disney Dream Maker for in-room surprises.

 

[engo]

Also, since you mentioned your grandson loves McQueen there is a store in downtown Disney called Ridemakerz where you can build custom remote control cars and they had several Cars characters available last time we were there.

I miss the bit about McQueen. Rumor has it that Sarge’s Surplus gift shop in Carsland will have a Ridemakerz where you can build a McQueen, so definitely check that out.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I am sorry for your familys loss. I would also try to get your grandson up in the front of the monarel we jsut did this and loved it. They have room for 5 up there.

Lilly bell was a fun time, we learned alot and it was so nice to see the park from a diffrent light. The history facts were intresting and they tried to have the pppl in the Lilly bell all interact together. Finding hidden mickeys and guessing at questions the lady asked.

Fantasmic and woc are two must see shows. Maybe a tour discover the magic might be fun for your grandson
Don't forget to get the photo pass cd and when you get home go edit and add borders. I am doing that as I speak, it is so much fun.

 

[disneylandkitkat]

I would make if you have time a trip to legoland. Its between disneyland and san diego the 6 year old will love it. The 27 year old will like it. I'm 32 and have passes to legoland. I think the place is alot of fun.

 

[HydroGuy]

We recently lost my MIL and mother within 5 months after a very rough year. This makes taking my 27 year old daughter and McQueen loving 6 year old grandson on a surprise trip worth the splurge. I booked the Grand Californian in a 1 bedroom suite. I booked the Discover the Magic tour, dinner at Goofys kitchen, breakfast at storytellers and VIP tour from 2-8 our first full day after the discover tour. We will be there from Sat afternoon, July 28 until Aug 1 when we head to SanDiego to see Seaworld, Wildlife Park and zoo. Please help me to make sure I don't miss something magical. Grandpa and I want this to be a trip to remember. After all we have 2 new angels flying with us on our first visit to Disneyland and CA.

I tried to book concierge but was told I need to wait until we get there for that request.

What would you book in my shoes? Thank so much for your help!

I hope this trip helps on the personal side.

In general I think some folks come to California and just focus on the theme parks and SD zoo, etc. There is a lot more to do than that and you may want to branch out. Are you spending any time on the beach? Seeing anything else like Hollywood or studio tours and live show tapings? Santa Monica Pier? Old Town San Diego? La Brea Tar Pits? Just some ideas...

Best wishes.

 

[krispin41]

Huge hugs to you and your family, it's so hard to lose a loved one.

I lost my Mom in February of last year, and some of the things that I planned for my DHs and I 1st anniversary trip in October, I knew my Mom would have surprised us with...the In-Room Celebration, while expensive would have been that surprise. So while it was bittersweet, it made the trip more memorable. We just got married at the Courthouse on a spur of a moment decision, my Mom was our only witness, we never went on a honeymoon at the time, so this was it. It was also my DHs first trip to DL...so I wanted to make it extra special for us. There are different celebration packages, or you can always call Vacation Planning and have things in the room when you check in, balloons, plush, ear hats, you name it...if it's available they can (for a fee) have it ready for you. At check in, we received an envelope with an autographed pic of Minnie and Minnie written to us, as well as a 1st visit button and Happy Anniversary Buttons.

We also went to Mickey's Halloween Party.

Everything else mentioned here as well would apply. And I would call back regarding Concierge. I too was able to add that option on when I made our reservation (which I had done online.)

My husband, who is not the huge Disney nut I am really enjoyed both Fantasmic! (we did the dessert) and World of Color.

Have fun, and I can't wait to hear about it!!

 

[Malcon10t]

VIP tour from 2-8 our first full day after the discover tour.

Talk to VIP services to arrange for Fantasmic! or fireworks seating on your day there. You will find your VIP guides to be exceptionally helpful.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

sorry i see you have the discover magic tour walk in walts is also fun

 

[Started With a Mouse]

See the Aladdin Musical at CA Adventure. Ask your hotel, or your TA for VIP, which guarantee you early entry to the theatre, and orchestra or mezzanine seating (and minus climbing a whole bunch of stairs!). Go on the Monorail. Ask a cast member when you arrive up on the platform where to wait to ride in the very front with the driver. You may have to wait for a couple to go by (if there are guests in front of you), but it's worth the wait. Blue Bayou for lunch is fabulous. Waterside table, split the entree, they are huge!