Ideas for out of staters staying at the Grand?

[jvincent16]

Hello. “Out of staters” here. We’ll be staying at the Grand Californian for one week over Memorial Day weekend. We have an 8yo and will be looking for things to do since we won’t be allowed into the parks. Looking for ideas on other things we would be allowed to do. Water parks, maybe some small parks with rides that aren’t considered “theme parks.” After our week in Anaheim we’ll be spending a week in San Diego so just looking for ideas around the Anaheim area.
thanks!!!!

 

[mel2014]

It looks like Newport Dunes is reopening their inflatable water park on Memorial Day weekend: https://www.newportdunes.com/play/daycation-experiences/ There's also the Ferris Wheel near there at Balboa Fun Zone. You could also rent kayaks and explore there.

Looks like Boomer's has some of their outdoor attractions open and I believe that is considered a "family entertainment center" rather than an amusement park: and out of state visitor are allowed: https://boomersparks.com/irvine/
Same with Camelot Golfland: https://www.golfland.com/anaheim/plan-your-visit/attractions/

Orange County ropes course: http://www.ocropescourse.com/

I believe most of the indoor playground/trampoline places are back open if that's within your risk tolerance and interest, such as:
https://www.thrillit.com/https://www.seascapekidsfun.com/gallery/
https://www.bigairusa.com/buena-park/https://candeeland.co/
If you're up for going into LA, I know the California Science Center has reopened as has the Natural History Museum.

 

[starry_solo]

Aquarium of the Pacific
Great Wolf Lodge

 

[DisSurfer878]

Aquarium of the Pacific
Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge does not have day passes

 

[Sunnywho]

It's possible the state restrictions will lift by then and you will be allowed into Disneyland. California is doing really well with low cases and high vaccination rates.

 

[wingednike]

Bowers Museum has a Disney Archives exhibit. I believe it's about 15 minutes away from Disneyland

 

[jvincent16]

Thank you! All great ideas. Any recommendations for large water parks? I called knotts soak city to ask if the water park is considered part of their theme park but the employee wasn't sure.

 

[DLgal]

Thank you! All great ideas. Any recommendations for large water parks? I called knotts soak city to ask if the water park is considered part of their theme park but the employee wasn't sure.

I am not 100% sure, but think water parks have to wait until Yellow tier.

There are no other water parks in the vicinity, really, other than Great Wolf lodge which opens May 22, but requires booking a room at approximately $400/night.

 

[starry_solo]

I am not 100% sure, but think water parks have to wait until Yellow tier.

There are no other water parks in the vicinity, really, other than Great Wolf lodge which opens May 22, but requires booking a room at approximately $400/night.

but with the room, I think you get two water park days? The day you check in and the day you check out?

 

[DLgal]

but with the room, I think you get two water park days? The day you check in and the day you check out?

Technically, yes, but you can't access the water park until 1pm on check in day and hours at the open GWL are cut down considerably from normal, and they close early (around 6 or 7pm, I've seen). It is also kind of a hassle to go to the water park before you have your room ready. They don't offer luggage storage (you have to keep it in your car until your room is ready) and having to go out to the parking garage and schlep bags in a wet bathing suit/clothes is a royal pain. We did it once and will never do it again. We prefer choosing the late checkout time on our last day to get a few extra hours in the water park while having room access until 2pm.

Although in OPs case, they will already have a room at the Grand and can simply pay the one night room rate to get 2 water park days, so it might be worthwhile for them. They can just drive over at 1pm in their bathing suits and go straight to the water park after checking in, then back to the Grand.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

Technically, yes, but you can't access the water park until 1pm on check in day and hours at the open GWL are cut down considerably from normal, and they close early (around 6 or 7pm, I've seen). It is also kind of a hassle to go to the water park before you have your room ready. They don't offer luggage storage (you have to keep it in your car until your room is ready) and having to go out to the parking garage and schlep bags in a wet bathing suit/clothes is a royal pain. We did it once and will never do it again. We prefer choosing the late checkout time on our last day to get a few extra hours in the water park while having room access until 2pm.

Although in OPs case, they will already have a room at the Grand and can simply pay the one night room rate to get 2 water park days, so it might be worthwhile for them. They can just drive over at 1pm in their bathing suits and go straight to the water park after checking in, then back to the Grand.

Did you guys go during the pandemic and that’s why they didn’t allow luggage storage? We’ve been quite a few times (pre-COViD). We’ve always arrived prior to 1pm and have been able to store our bags and go to the water park. We always arrived early thinking we wouldn’t be allowed into the water park with plans to do other activities but they always gave us our wrist bands and said we could go in. But again, that was pre-COViD. I can see that being different now.

 

[DLgal]

Did you guys go during the pandemic and that’s why they didn’t allow luggage storage? We’ve been quite a few times (pre-COViD). We’ve always arrived prior to 1pm and have been able to store our bags and go to the water park. We always arrived early thinking we wouldn’t be allowed into the water park with plans to do other activities but they always gave us our wrist bands and said we could go in. But again, that was pre-COViD. I can see that being different now.

No, they have not reopened since they closed last year. We have only been to the Southern CA location. To my knowledge, they don't offer bag storage or bell services right now at any open locations. In the past, they always told us to leave it in our car. We have been there like 5 times over the years. Maybe they told us that because their bell services was overwhelmed? It seemed like everyone left their bags in their cars. We were never the only ones unloading our cars in wet bathing suits.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

No, they have not reopened since they closed last year. We have only been to the Southern CA location. To my knowledge, they don't offer bag storage or bell services right now at any open locations. In the past, they always told us to leave it in our car. We have been there like 5 times over the years. Maybe they told us that because their bell services was overwhelmed? It seemed like everyone left their bags in their cars. We were never the only ones unloading our cars in wet bathing suits.

Well, that sucks! We’ve been to the Southern CA location at least 5 times since they opened, as well. They definitely have luggage storage and we’ve used them both before we got our room and after we checked out. But like I said, we do normally get there early a few hours before check-in so there is usually no line at check-in. We arrived one-time right around 1pm and it was such madhouse we decided arriving earlier was better than waiting in line 45 minutes to check-in even if they didn’t let us into the water park.

ETA: It just occurred to me that half the times, we arrived by train from San Diego (my husband hates driving in south Orange County traffic). So we wouldn’t have had a car to put our bags in. And the other times we’ve used valet, so maybe valet parking is the key to not having to store your luggage in your car?

 

[DLgal]

Well, that sucks! We’ve been to the Southern CA location at least 5 times since they opened, as well. They definitely have luggage storage and we’ve used them both before we got our room and after we checked out. But like I said, we do normally get there early a few hours before check-in so there is usually no line at check-in. We arrived one-time right around 1pm and it was such madhouse we decided arriving earlier was better than waiting in line 45 minutes to check-in even if they didn’t let us into the water park.

ETA: It just occurred to me that half the times, we arrived by train from San Diego (my husband hates driving in south Orange County traffic). So we wouldn’t have had a car to put our bags in. And the other times we’ve used valet, so maybe valet parking is the key to not having to store your luggage in your car?

Maybe. They always ask if we have a car and then tell us to leave the bags there, so maybe their luggage area is limited space and they save it for guests without cars?

 

[AZMermaid]

We are going to the Bowers museum for the Disney Archives exhibit. It’s just 10 minutes away. We are also planning to go to Huntington Beach, but if you’re going to SD, you’ve probably got that covered.

 

[Sunnywho]

On a day off from Disneyland, we went on an easy hike to a redwoods grove. I think it was Carbon Canyon regional park. Very nice. We also went to the Nixon presidential museum but that might not interest an 8 year old.

 

[jvincent16]

Thanks everyone. Yes we are staying on points. We stay every summer on points. Yes, I agree the rules are nonsense but I don't want this thread shut down . I'm not saying we'll break the rules but we will be vigilant on our surroundings and how they're "treating" the out of staters. We could easily spend a couple days at a large water park if possible. The kid loves water and would most definitely take her mind off Disney. Thank you for all the comments. Much appreciated.

 

[Neurodude84]

Will you have a car? San Diego Zoo is wonderful.

 

[jvincent16]

Yes we will have a car but we're also spending one week in San Diego after DL. Was looking for ideas around DL. Thank you.

 

[evilmommie]

Suggestions from a Momma from The OC
Irvine Regional Park: Beautiful park with small lake and streams. Train and paddle boats open. Has a small zoo as well. Perfect picnic park https://www.irvineparkrailroad.com

Discovery Cube just a few mins south of DLR is perfect for an 8 yr old https://discoverycube.org

Angels might be in town. Angel Stadium is super family friendly. Might be fun to check out a game.https://www.mlb.com/angels/ballpark Or Ducks if you like hockey. Both allow out of state.

Dana Point Harbor. Walk around and see the boats. Take a dolphin cruise. (I think the whales have moved on) Can rent kayaks, go to Ocean Institute. Hang out at baby beach. Very kid friendly. https://danapointharbor.com

Have a great trip!!!