Just got back today from 5 days/4 nights at DL/DCA and the DL Hotel!

[wdwluvr]

We just got back today from our vacation and we had a blast! I'm working on a trip report and hope to have it up soon, but if you have any questions feel free to ask away. We did both parks and stayed at the DL Hotel. The last time we were at DL was in 1998 and they had just started construction for DCA. We went to WDW in 1999 and I was a little worried DL would be a little disappointing but it wasn't at all. I think staying at a DL resort hotel made a big difference. We usually stay at the Candy Cane but we are definitely spoiled now after staying at the DL Hotel. While it wasn't WDW as far as size and number of parks, the whole atmosphere of the two parks, Downtown Disney and the GC and DL hotels made it feel a lot like WDW at times. I can't wait to go back and I never thought I'd say that after being to WDW. We are going to stay at the GC hotel next time. We did almost everything as far as rides, show and parades. We ate at Goofy's Kitchen, Minnie's Breakfast and Rainforest Cafe, as well as a few other restaurants in both parks.

We were going to meet with some other DISers on Saturday but for some reason, I had the wrong times. Hopefully next time. I hope Tink33 will post how the meet went!

 

[doodlebug]

Where was your room at the Disneyland Hotel (which tower) and did you like your room? I go in 43 days and have never stayed at th DLH either so am excited. We are also going to do the Minnie Breakfast & Goofy's but hadn't decided if the Rainforest Cafe was worth it. What did you think of it?

 

[wdwluvr]

Hi doodlebug! Our room was in the Marina tower and it was very convenient to the lobby, the pool, and the monorail. Our room was 2719 on the 9th floor and it was very nice. We were right next to the elevator, but we didn't hear anyone walking up and down the hall. We were on the parking lot side of the tower because we didn't pay for a view. We could have seen the fireworks from our room but we watched them from the park. The only thing I didn't like about the room was the shower because the temperature of the water fluctuated a lot. I'm not sure if it was just our room or if other rooms have that problem.

Goofy's Kitchen was good, but I didn't think they had enough food choices for the price. The dessert selection was awesome though! I didn't really like that they made us pay first and that they added on the gratuity automatically. Now I'm not a cheapie when it comes to tipping-I usually tip 15% to 20% if the service is good, but I think it should be up to each customer how much they pay in gratuity based on the service received during the meal. We also waited quite awhile before any characters came to our table. There was Goofy, Chip and Dale, Captain Hook, Belle and Snow White. Every 20 min or so they had a little dance close to the buffet and guests could come up and dance with the characters. While we were there they did the mambo and the macarana to Disney's version of Mambo #5 and the Macarana Tiki Room song. Overall, the kids had a good time and that's what counts the most.

My husband was a little disappointed with Minnie's Breakfast because they don't make omelets cooked to order anymore and that's what he was looking forward to the most. The eggs they had weren't that good but the potatoes, the french toast and the Mickey waffles were good. The sausage and bacon were pretty good. Again, we waited a long time for any characters to come around. They had Minnie, Daisy, Max and Pluto. They used to have Merlin, Belle and Gaston and they would all perform with Minnie. But, again the kids had a good time. We probably won't go back though unless the kids really insist on it.

We all loved Rainforest Cafe. It was our kids first time here and they really had fun. We all had ribs except for our 3yo who had mac and cheese. The food was really good. We will definitely go back.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[teri]

I does feel alot more like Disney World, doesn't it! Glad you haad a nice time.

 

[doodlebug]

That is pretty rude for them to add gratuity on before you even get served.. I think it should be up to the guest to decide what to leave as a tip.. What if you recieve really bad service (they don't come around and clear the plate). Oh well guess we will be on vacation and try not to let that one little thing bother us.

Sounds like the rainforest cafe it a must do since we have kids also they will probably enjoy it

Also I have heard on other posts several people really enjoy the views of the marina towers so I am going to try and request that one..

 

[TheLionKing]

Melissa, we were looking for you and your family......

Alas, there was a problem with communication.... So sorry we missed you, but we were thinking of you and hoping everything was all right!!

Well, I hope we can plan better when you return. Glad you had a good time!!!

I don't know what your party size was, but some resturants do that for large parties. They did it for our group Saturday night even though we were only 5.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Melissa
sorry we didn't connect but sounds like you all had a great time!