Disney Dreamer
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 30, 2000
- Messages
- 102
We just returned from 4 days in sunny, but not warm, Southern California! We had a great time. We haven't been to DL for 4 and 1/2 years so a lot has changed, including my kids! They were only interested in the big rides, no shows except Millionare which we saw twice, and definetley no parades. I made them stay for fireworks which they really did like that. They LOVED ESPN and my 15 year old was glad he could watch March Madness.
1. Security. I was a little worried before we left, but I felt safe and never gave it any thought once we were there. They checked backpacks, fanny packs, purses, etc. I think they do all they can to ensure safety. I also saw a couple military helicopeters overhead two or three times a day.
2. Unlimited Fastpass. I LOVE THIS! I would highly recommend this feature if you are planning a trip at a busy time of year. It was quite crowded the days we were there so we collected FP for every ride we could and then made a plan and were able to do them all (at DL) in about 2 hours. Except for Splash Mtn. all of our return times were anywhere from 11:30 to 2:00, but Splash had a wait of 190 minutes and the FP return time was 5:00 - 6:00. It was great, I almost felt guilty about going to the front of the line on all those rides . . . but not too guilty!
3. Hotel. We stayed at Holiday Inn Resort which is a new hotel just of Katella right by the freeway. It was nice, nice pool and hot tub area and a basketball court which was great with 3 athletic boys. I do wish however, that we would have stayed onsite. I like the convenience to the parks and it wasn't really that much more to stay at DL hotel.
4. California Adventure. I was a disappointed at first, but it really grew on me. The rides were great. I loved Screamin' and Soarin' my family liked Grizzly River run . They got soaked! I was freezing so I didn't want to get wet. I also liked the kid play area, and of course I love Tough to be a Bug.
5. Cinderellas Castel. Did it shrink? I don't remember it being so small. Compared to WDW Magic Kingdom it is tiny.
All in all we had a great time. I feel old because my kids aren't little anymore and that part of the "magic" is gone. DH said next time we go we will take our . . . grandkids? YIKES!
1. Security. I was a little worried before we left, but I felt safe and never gave it any thought once we were there. They checked backpacks, fanny packs, purses, etc. I think they do all they can to ensure safety. I also saw a couple military helicopeters overhead two or three times a day.
2. Unlimited Fastpass. I LOVE THIS! I would highly recommend this feature if you are planning a trip at a busy time of year. It was quite crowded the days we were there so we collected FP for every ride we could and then made a plan and were able to do them all (at DL) in about 2 hours. Except for Splash Mtn. all of our return times were anywhere from 11:30 to 2:00, but Splash had a wait of 190 minutes and the FP return time was 5:00 - 6:00. It was great, I almost felt guilty about going to the front of the line on all those rides . . . but not too guilty!
3. Hotel. We stayed at Holiday Inn Resort which is a new hotel just of Katella right by the freeway. It was nice, nice pool and hot tub area and a basketball court which was great with 3 athletic boys. I do wish however, that we would have stayed onsite. I like the convenience to the parks and it wasn't really that much more to stay at DL hotel.
4. California Adventure. I was a disappointed at first, but it really grew on me. The rides were great. I loved Screamin' and Soarin' my family liked Grizzly River run . They got soaked! I was freezing so I didn't want to get wet. I also liked the kid play area, and of course I love Tough to be a Bug.
5. Cinderellas Castel. Did it shrink? I don't remember it being so small. Compared to WDW Magic Kingdom it is tiny.
All in all we had a great time. I feel old because my kids aren't little anymore and that part of the "magic" is gone. DH said next time we go we will take our . . . grandkids? YIKES!
