Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[rentayenta]

Thanks for sharing. Club 33 really looks amazing. I was glad to see that you can get the Macaroni Cheese with any entry for a small upcharge. My all time favourite meal is a nice steak with Macaroni Cheese. The Chateaubriand with a side of Macaroni Cheese sounds like a match made it heaven.

You also helped me make up my mind about something else. I have two nights waitlisted at VGC for September, but I am under no illusion that my chances are slim for the waitlist to come through. I was not sure if I should go for Paradise Pier or Disneyland Hotel as an alternative. Having seen the photos of your room, I will go for Disneyland Hotel if I don't get lucky on the waitlist.

Corinna

The Disneyland Hotel is amazing. The rooms are beautiful. They do have the mini fridge like the GCV studios but no microwave. With only a night I wasn't concerned about any of that. The light up headboard plays music and its just so cool. We must have flipped the switch no less than 20 times. I hope you get your waitlist but if not you won't be disappointed.

That Mac n cheese is killer. I can't even imagine how insane it is with steak? ​

 

[dolphingirl47]

We have yet to use the microwave at any of the DVC resorts we stayed at. Now, the fridge is a different matter. We are only going to stay for two nights as well. Of course, if we do stay at Disneyland Hotel DH does not have far to walk for breakfast at Steakhouse 55.

Corinna

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

Oh Man! I can't believe that I let life get in the way of your update.

Everything looked wonderful, what an amazing day you've had so far! So cool to meet Dis Friends in really life, especially at a place like Club 33!

As far as your spring break trip goes, I can't help you out with Vegas as we've only ever stayed on the strip. But at DL when we've stayed off site we've gone to the HoJo's and loved it, for the price. Not sure you'd get a room there at this point though and it is a bit of a walk.

We stayed at PPH once and I'm not sure we'd do it again, not much in the way of magic happening there for us.

 

[franandaj]

Did you try Sam's Town? It's off the beaten path but we like it.

 

[rentayenta]

We have yet to use the microwave at any of the DVC resorts we stayed at. Now, the fridge is a different matter. We are only going to stay for two nights as well. Of course, if we do stay at Disneyland Hotel DH does not have far to walk for breakfast at Steakhouse 55.

Corinna

I haven't been there, is there breakfast good? Now I'm going to have to look on Allears for the menu.

You won't be disappointed in the DLH. I paid for a standard view and we scored with our DTD view. It's worth requesting.​

Oh Man! I can't believe that I let life get in the way of your update.

Everything looked wonderful, what an amazing day you've had so far! So cool to meet Dis Friends in really life, especially at a place like Club 33!

As far as your spring break trip goes, I can't help you out with Vegas as we've only ever stayed on the strip. But at DL when we've stayed off site we've gone to the HoJo's and loved it, for the price. Not sure you'd get a room there at this point though and it is a bit of a walk.

We stayed at PPH once and I'm not sure we'd do it again, not much in the way of magic happening there for us.

I didn't love the PPH either. I know some folks love it and maybe I'll like it more as its also been refurbs, at least the rooms have, but we were so unimpressed last time. The service and room were not up to Disney standards in my opinion. We also stayed a night after we stayed 3 at the GCV so that have also unfairly influenced my opinion.

I've stayed at the HoJo and it was good. The walk feels like forever though. We've stayed at a few good neighbor hotels. I have friends who love the Fairfield which is right next to the HoJo I believe. My other friend loves the Embassy Suites. We've done the Hilton Garden Inn too. My friend shares her Marriott/Hilton friends and family code and remember we got it with free hot breakfast and for pretty cheap. It wasn't within walking distance though.

Where do you like to stay on the Strip? I'm trying to save a little cash but I'm open to anywhere. I'm totally not loving the Plaza even with the refurbed rooms. I think I'm too old to appreciate Vegas Spring Break especially with kids. When we took the kids to One Direction last summer it was the daisy glow feat rave thing. OMG I've never seen so many wasted girls being carried out of places. ​

Did you try Sam's Town? It's off the beaten path but we like it.

I haven't. Don't you have it in one of your reports? I'm going to find their site. It's not on Fremont or the Strip, right?

Can you recall the name of the hotel/casino on the north side of Vegas? Buffalo Bills is south of Vegas on the NV/CA state line. I'm thinking the other way. We could also stay in St. George or Mesquite I guess. I can't decide. Mesquite used to be a fun little gaming town with a cool casino/hotel called The Casablanca. They had another huge motel like resort called the Oasis but once the Oasis went under, the whole town followed suit. Sad because it was fun and that's where we'd be staying.​

 

[kaoden39]

Awesome updates! I can help you out with one thing....

Here is the menu

We actually ordered the bowl of truffle Mac & Cheese. For whatever reason, some of the servers used to bring it gratis, now they charge you for it and put it on the menu so everyone knows to order it.

I love the picture of Fran coming out of the Lift! It's also so nice to see her smiling and feeling good. Quite a change from the past two years, and very refreshing!

When you come for Spring break maybe one of the nights we could join you for dinner somewhere and we could crack a few bottles from my wine cellar. I know you plan on spending most nights with your friend, but we would love to go out one of the nights and get together if you can spare the time.

I was thinking that the smiling picture of Fran was nice. It made me smile.

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

I didn't love the PPH either. I know some folks love it and maybe I'll like it more as its also been refurbs, at least the rooms have, but we were so unimpressed last time. The service and room were not up to Disney standards in my opinion. We also stayed a night after we stayed 3 at the GCV so that have also unfairly influenced my opinion.

I've stayed at the HoJo and it was good. The walk feels like forever though. We've stayed at a few good neighbor hotels. I have friends who love the Fairfield which is right next to the HoJo I believe. My other friend loves the Embassy Suites. We've done the Hilton Garden Inn too. My friend shares her Marriott/Hilton friends and family code and remember we got it with free hot breakfast and for pretty cheap. It wasn't within walking distance though.

Where do you like to stay on the Strip? I'm trying to save a little cash but I'm open to anywhere. I'm totally not loving the Plaza even with the refurbed rooms. I think I'm too old to appreciate Vegas Spring Break especially with kids. When we took the kids to One Direction last summer it was the daisy glow feat rave thing. OMG I've never seen so many wasted girls being carried out of places. ​

We usually stay at Bellagio (we love love love it), but we've stayed at The Luxor and Paris. But with spring break and kids on the you might do better to avoid it if you can.

 

[rentayenta]

We usually stay at Bellagio (we love love love it), but we've stayed at The Luxor and Paris. But with spring break and kids on the you might do better to avoid it if you can.

Thats my thinking. We've stayed at the Luxor and Paris but not the Bellagio. I really want to try the Venetian but we're really going to grab a bite and sleep. I'm leaning towards Alison's recommendation to stay at Sam's Town. It looks great, Vegas minus the crowds, more mellow and clean.
http://www.samstownlv.com/
​

 

[dolphingirl47]

I haven't been there, is there breakfast good? Now I'm going to have to look on Allears for the menu.

You won't be disappointed in the DLH. I paid for a standard view and we scored with our DTD view. It's worth requesting.​

The breakfast there is great. It is a special treat for DH to get Steak and Eggs for breakfast when we are on vacation and there is no better place for this than Steakhouse 55.

Corinna

 

[Native NYer]

Jenny! I have to catch up. Life has been hectic. I hope you enjoyed Club 33!

 

[Native NYer]

Darn glitch and double post!

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

Thats my thinking. We've stayed at the Luxor and Paris but not the Bellagio. I really want to try the Venetian but we're really going to grab a bite and sleep. I'm leaning towards Alison's recommendation to stay at Sam's Town. It looks great, Vegas minus the crowds, more mellow and clean.
http://www.samstownlv.com/
​

I just checked out the link, looks good to me. Nice pool, and updated rooms, it might do the trick for you.

 

[franandaj]

I haven't. Don't you have it in one of your reports? I'm going to find their site. It's not on Fremont or the Strip, right?

Can you recall the name of the hotel/casino on the north side of Vegas? Buffalo Bills is south of Vegas on the NV/CA state line. I'm thinking the other way. We could also stay in St. George or Mesquite I guess. I can't decide. Mesquite used to be a fun little gaming town with a cool casino/hotel called The Casablanca. They had another huge motel like resort called the Oasis but once the Oasis went under, the whole town followed suit. Sad because it was fun and that's where we'd be staying.​

In my "cheating" PTR there are two trips to Las Vegas in there one in January 2011 and another in December 2011. Both we stayed at Sam's town. I like the little "atrium" that they have in the middle of the hotel. It's cute and they even have a laser light show.

I've only been really north of Vegas once or twice, maybe three times, but we always stopped in Vegas and then just powered on through. I think we stopped in St. George once for a potty stop.

 

[rentayenta]

Jenny! I have to catch up. Life has been hectic. I hope you enjoyed Club 33!

Yes girl, you're super behind. I just posted our wonderful lunch date at Club 33! Best afternoon ever, in fact one of my favorite trips to So Cal.


Hope you get some downtime this weekend.​

 

[rentayenta]

I just checked out the link, looks good to me. Nice pool, and updated rooms, it might do the trick for you.

I agree, canceled the Plaza, and booked it! This way we miss The Strip traffic and the Fremont vibe. It was $80 before taxes but $30 is nothing compared to piece of mind.​

 

[rentayenta]

In my "cheating" PTR there are two trips to Las Vegas in there one in January 2011 and another in December 2011. Both we stayed at Sam's town. I like the little "atrium" that they have in the middle of the hotel. It's cute and they even have a laser light show.

I've only been really north of Vegas once or twice, maybe three times, but we always stopped in Vegas and then just powered on through. I think we stopped in St. George once for a potty stop.

I booked Sam's Town. I reread your reviews and it looks like its just what we're looking for. Vegas minus the part of Vegas I don't love: traffic! DH and I can still play some Craps after the kids are settled in and we'll be very close by. Looks like their BConnect players card provides some great deals. The atrium light show sounds cool, they'll like that. Thanks for the suggestion. Love it when a plan comes together!



Because we are able to get hoppers now, I went ahead and used too many points and booked a night at the DLH again. DVC needs to make another DLR DVC option or do a massive add on at GCV. But I guess while fools like me continue to use their points on their hotels, there's no need. Regardless, I'm elated to be able to stay there again and this time with DH and the kids.​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sounds like you have your break all sorted out.

 

[rentayenta]

Sounds like you have your break all sorted out.

I'm getting there.......It's nothing like what you've got planned this Fall. You're trip is going to be amazing.

This is very last minute planning for me.

I hope it's warm during our trip because I'm craving a real beach day.​

 

[eandesmom]

Oh wow. Now I'm dying to stay at the DLH and go to Club 33. Both of which are a snowballs chance in whatever but oh, how simply wonderful all of it looks. I've got major DLR want right now!

I'd need a nap after all that, wow wow and triple wow! It looks amazing.
What a special lunch with special people.

I am cracking up that you had a roast beef sandwich for breakfast though!

Those cone cups were huge, did you tote them around all day? Cute though.

As for Vegas it sounds like you are all set. I do like the Venetian, I haven't stayed there but was at the Palazzo last year and it was nice and clean and the pool was just lovely and connected to the Venetian. Didn't feel strip icky at all. I also rather liked the Westin if you really want to feel non vegas. Beds and rooms you can count on and one block off the strip so nice and quiet.

Spring break plans look good!

 

[rentayenta]

Oh wow. Now I'm dying to stay at the DLH and go to Club 33. Both of which are a snowballs chance in whatever but oh, how simply wonderful all of it looks. I've got major DLR want right now!

You've got to get to Disneyland. Its so wonderful. And never say never about Club 33, you really just never know.​

I'd need a nap after all that, wow wow and triple wow! It looks amazing.
What a special lunch with special people.

It was so special. Loved meeting them. Lunch was fabulous. It felt decadent and I felt spoiled. We're planning on getting together during our Spring Break trip to So Cal in 2 weeks.​

I am cracking up that you had a roast beef sandwich for breakfast though!

I basically ate the meat and she ate the bread. We are good travel companions. It was delicious though. I have yet to have a bad sandwich at Earl's. And it's so cheap too.​

Those cone cups were huge, did you tote them around all day? Cute though.

They are very light when empty and weren't a headache at all. Very worth it, the kids were elated to get them. We got Gabby one too but kept hers empty. We just rinsed them out and put them in a shopping bag. II didn't find them cumbersome at all. Remember though, I was a in a happy haze of joy and it would have taken a lot more than a plastic cup to rain on my parade. Even the rain didn't dampen the fun. It takes a lot to dampen my Disney fun on any trip actually.​

As for Vegas it sounds like you are all set. I do like the Venetian, I haven't stayed there but was at the Palazzo last year and it was nice and clean and the pool was just lovely and connected to the Venetian. Didn't feel strip icky at all. I also rather liked the Westin if you really want to feel non vegas. Beds and rooms you can count on and one block off the strip so nice and quiet.

Spring break plans look good!

Our plans are coming together nicely. And with another night at the DLH, I'm elated. I'm so excited for the kids and Michael to see the new DLH rooms. They're so magical and so Disney.

We booked Sam's Town. I like The Strip but the traffic can be horrendous and if I recall, it's the worst during Spring Break. Next time I'll check out the Westin. I have heard of them but never stayed with them. Thanks again. You always have the best travel info. Sam's Town has a light show in the atrium and a movie theater attached. I doubt the kids will want to do much of anything but I like having options. I'm sure Michael will want to throw the dice.​