Just back from an amazing week in Disneyland.

[helenk]

I just want to thank everyone on this board for all the information I gleaned here for a wonderful trip. I took my 8 year old granddaughter who has been to Disney World numerous times but this was her first trip to Disneyland/ California Adventure. It was my third trip. We stayed at the Tropicana which was a good place to stay. It only took about 15 minutes to walk to the park entrances. The room was a good size for the 2 of us. The hotel was clean and the staff was friendly. I would stay there again. I booked the World of Color Dessert party, loved it and we sat at one if the high tables so our view was amazing. I had also booked the Frozen pre show which gave us excellent seats for the show. And I booked the lunch package for the Paint the Night Parade. The area was great for us we really enjoyed the parade. We got to the parks each day around 9:00 and stayed until after lunch went to the hotel to swim and then back to the parks in the evening. My granddaughter told me she liked the California parks better than the Florida parks. We rode Grizzly River Run, Splash Mountain, Radiator Springs a total of 4 times. The wait times in the morning weren't bad. We used fast passes in the afternoons and then in the evenings the wait times for most of the rides wasn't too bad. I like using the fast pass machines. I do wish some more attractions used fast pass. Like Toy Story Mania, and Finding Nemo Subs and some of the Attractions in Fantasyland.
We had 2 days that we did not go to the parks. We slept in went to Downtown Disney shopped and went to the movies. We were supposed to go to the Pacific Aquarium but Gray Line called me to let me know they had over booked the tour. Because of reservations I had made for the shows etc. I couldn't re-book for another day.
All in all it was a near perfect trip. I would have liked to see the Fireworks but my granddaughter doesn't like the noise. We did see some of them while riding the Matterhorn Bobsleds and another evening we were at Pizza Press and were able to watch the fireworks while sitting outside eating our pizza.
Oh and I used Lansky's for transportation from and to the airport. The service was impeccable. The driver met as as we came down the escalator, got our luggage and we were on our way to the hotel. For the trip back our driver was on time, a few minutes early but we were ready, again took our luggage loaded in the car once we got to the airport he helped me take the luggage to curb side check in. Unlike other posters the drivers did not appear to expect a tip. They said goodbye have a good time and off they went. I ordered a booster seat for my granddaughter and it was in the car and looked rather new. I would recommend their services highly.

 

[grnflash]

How wonderful to be able to have such an awesome trip with your granddaughter. Thanks for sharing

 

[lindyv321]

Sounds like a magical trip!! Good to know you can see the fireworks from Pizza Press as I plan on eating there on our first night when we wont be in the parks

 

[rentayenta]

Love it! Glad you ladies had a wonderful trip.

 

[julesann]

wonderful trip report...so happy you and and your granddaughter had a magical time!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Thanks for sharing! If she wants to go to loud shows/fireworks in the future this is what we use for our sensory child. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002...45098&sr=8-3&keywords=baby+banz&pi=SY200_QL40

 

[Caseheidi]

I will second smartlabelprint with the hearing protection. My 7 yo DD has a set and uses them for fireworks, in movie theaters, live concerts and the air show (live right next to the annual Oregon Air Show) and loves them. They have made so much more available for her.

Glad you had a great trip. What great memories you are making with your granddaughter.

 

[TexasErin]

Sounds like a fantastic trip! Glad y'all had such fun

 

[Diznotyzed]

Lovely to hear about your wonderful trip! What a special time for you to be together!

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I just want to thank everyone on this board for all the information I gleaned here for a wonderful trip. I took my 8 year old granddaughter who has been to Disney World numerous times but this was her first trip to Disneyland/ California Adventure. It was my third trip. We stayed at the Tropicana which was a good place to stay. It only took about 15 minutes to walk to the park entrances. The room was a good size for the 2 of us. The hotel was clean and the staff was friendly. I would stay there again. I booked the World of Color Dessert party, loved it and we sat at one if the high tables so our view was amazing. I had also booked the Frozen pre show which gave us excellent seats for the show. And I booked the lunch package for the Paint the Night Parade. The area was great for us we really enjoyed the parade. We got to the parks each day around 9:00 and stayed until after lunch went to the hotel to swim and then back to the parks in the evening. My granddaughter told me she liked the California parks better than the Florida parks. We rode Grizzly River Run, Splash Mountain, Radiator Springs a total of 4 times. The wait times in the morning weren't bad. We used fast passes in the afternoons and then in the evenings the wait times for most of the rides wasn't too bad. I like using the fast pass machines. I do wish some more attractions used fast pass. Like Toy Story Mania, and Finding Nemo Subs and some of the Attractions in Fantasyland.
We had 2 days that we did not go to the parks. We slept in went to Downtown Disney shopped and went to the movies. We were supposed to go to the Pacific Aquarium but Gray Line called me to let me know they had over booked the tour. Because of reservations I had made for the shows etc. I couldn't re-book for another day.
All in all it was a near perfect trip. I would have liked to see the Fireworks but my granddaughter doesn't like the noise. We did see some of them while riding the Matterhorn Bobsleds and another evening we were at Pizza Press and were able to watch the fireworks while sitting outside eating our pizza.
Oh and I used Lansky's for transportation from and to the airport. The service was impeccable. The driver met as as we came down the escalator, got our luggage and we were on our way to the hotel. For the trip back our driver was on time, a few minutes early but we were ready, again took our luggage loaded in the car once we got to the airport he helped me take the luggage to curb side check in. Unlike other posters the drivers did not appear to expect a tip. They said goodbye have a good time and off they went. I ordered a booster seat for my granddaughter and it was in the car and looked rather new. I would recommend their services highly.

Sounds fun! Glad you had a good time