It's Finally Happening, we are Going to Disneyland!!!!

[disneyfan888]

Hello everyone! Happy New Year's to all!

I am super excited because after years of trying to make it to Cali and visit Disneyland, this year it is finally happening

We are officially booked and will be staying at the Disneyland hotel. We have already begun making dining reservations and so far have Ariel's Grotto, Carthay Circle, Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans and Steakhouse 55 booked. For all of you seasoned Disneyland veterans are their any other must do restaurant's while we are there? Also any general tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. We will be there for a week beginning of March. We have also reserved the World of Color package.

Before heading to Anaheim we will be going to San Francisco to visit the Walt Disney Museum. If anyone has any recommendations as to good places to stay and where to dine while there that would be most helpful. Thank you all in advance! We are sooooo excited and counting the days!

 

[BrianL]

You'll have fun! As a WDW vet, first exploring DL was a real treat. I described it as "like being in an alternate dimension" where you kinda know the layout and it feels comfortable, but then you'll take a turn to find something not quite where it "should" be (like Big Thunder being on the East side of the river). It's fun though because it keeps it fresh! I hope you have a great time.

 

[Watchtower]

According to Dateline Disneyland, World of Color is down for refurbishment 'till March 12th. You may want to call Disneyland to check up on that before getting your hopes up with the WOC dinner package. There's probably going to be a lot of rides and attractions down in March since they're getting ready for their big 60th anniversary event beginning in May....not sure going in March is going to give you the best first impression. You may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

 

[Lucille1963]

My husband and I are big fans of the restaurant, Napa Rose.

 

[malloriewillms]

The Walt Disney museum in sf is in presidio anywhere you stay in sf would be nice. Depending on how long you could stay near pier 39 as that has lots of fun tourist things to do and also the ferry building is not to far.

 

[disneyfan888]

According to Dateline Disneyland, World of Color is down for refurbishment 'till March 12th. You may want to call Disneyland to check up on that before getting your hopes up with the WOC dinner package. There's probably going to be a lot of rides and attractions down in March since they're getting ready for their big 60th anniversary event beginning in May....not sure going in March is going to give you the best first impression. You may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

I appreciate this information. is their a website i can check to see what will be down? of course we want to get the most out of our trip and would hate to be disappointed. Thanks again.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Sounds like you have planned out a wonderful trip.
Hope you have a blast!

Scott

 

[SweetAlex]

Woohoo! Congratulations! You're totally going to love it.

There is so much to do and ride there that my only concern is that you're going to be spending a lot of precious time sitting in restaurants. If you are going there for a week, it might be okay but if you only have 4 or 5 days, you may miss quite a bit of fun. Unless you're totally foodies, then all the power to you

We usually only book one or two sit down dinners/lunches and wing the rest (it's not like WDW, you can eat pretty much anytime anywhere at most restaurants there). We have so many things we want to do while we're there like shows, rides, characters, activites, etc, that most of the time, we're more than happy to grab something at the nearest CS. Plus I personally dislike having to plan my days around which restaurant we're eating at in the near future. But that's totally my preference.

You'll have a fantastic time no matter what you decide to do! DLR is truly the most magical place on earth so it's impossible not to! Don't miss the shows, like Aladdin and even the plays at the Fantasyland Faire. If you have young kids, Minnie's has a fantastic character breakfast. Have fun planning!

 

[disneyfan888]

Thanks everyone! I know we will love every moment. Bummed some things will be closed, but I guess that means we will have to go back at some point, lol.

 

[jemmi]

Thanks everyone! I know we will love every moment. Bummed some things will be closed, but I guess that means we will have to go back at some point, lol.

We went last April for the first time and there were a bunch of refurbs happening. We were a little disappointed but once we got there those closures didn't interfere with our trip at all. We had an awesome time doing the things that were open and had a great trip! Soak it all in and focus on what you can do, you'll have an awesome trip. And very true about having to go back, we're going back in May.

 

[nikerbokers]

About SF dinner... even if you aren't close, I recommend going to the House of Prime Rib. It's expensive, it's very nice, it's worth it.

 

[disneyfan888]

About SF dinner... even if you aren't close, I recommend going to the House of Prime Rib. It's expensive, it's very nice, it's worth it.

Great! Thank you!!

 

[disneyfan888]

Thanks everyone for your input. We have finalized all of our ADR's. Is their any place that stands out for quick service? Thanks so much!

 

[DahliaRW]

I really liked the Jolly Holiday Bakery. Their sandwiches were delicious (and I love that they made mine fresh and gluten free). It's nothing super exciting, but you can get a good sandwich and they have lots of yummy looking baked goods.

 

[Keels]

I've only been once (last summer, by myself) - but the one difference I was pleasantly surprised about between DLR and WDW was the copious amounts of healthy and unique options at the QS restaurants at DLR! Like, if you wanted a burger, fries, chicken nuggets, pizza, I felt like you REALLY had to hunt them down - they weren't the basic staples like at most WDW QS locations. And each location had food that was unique JUST to it (like the Fried Green Tomato sandwich at Hungry Bear).

Also, I like that in Disneyland, most QS places offer a "mocktail" - like the Mint Julep in New Orleans, and the punch at Jolly Holiday. I ended up not doing any ADRs/sit-down restaurants because I found so many different items I wanted to try at QS restaurants instead! The only time that ever happens to me at WDW is if I'm at EPCOT eating/drinking around the World.

Also, at DCA, I absolutely LOVED Sonoma Terrace. I stopped there both days I toured the parks to sit outside, enjoy the weather with a couple of craft beers and a delicious meat & cheese plate while I planned the rest of my day.

 

[bakerudall]

Also, at DCA, I absolutely LOVED Sonoma Terrace. I stopped there both days I toured the parks to sit outside, enjoy the weather with a couple of craft beers and a delicious meat & cheese plate while I planned the rest of my day.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I didn't know about this menu. Looks like a great place for a light lunch.