Never Been to Disneyland - Staying at Marriott - Help!

[viluvsdisney]

Hi all. We've done WDW several times, but haven't been to Disneyland. DH has a "work" trip planned for April 25-27, so DD7 and myself are tagging along. We're going to get the 3 day hopper (for the kids price of $119 each) for the 2 of us, and we we're staying at the Marriott nearby (2 blocks I think). That's all I have planned. I don't know what to expect or what to plan Not even sure what the hotel is like (some reviews are good, few are not). Where ahould we eat? What should we pack - ANY advice is very much appreciated! Thank you - I know someone has a great piece of info for me!

 

[SunshineOR]

Do you mean the Convention Center Marriott? We stayed there in 2004 and had a good stay. I remember we were annoyed because the main pool was closed down on the day we set aside for hanging out and swimming, but otherwise we were happy with the hotel. The front desk will help you buy ART passes--they're really cheap and provide transportation from the front of the hotel to basically the front entrance of Disneyland. We were there late April that year and the lines were short on the weekdays and the weather beautiful. We wore shorts the whole time, but had to wear sweatshirts and pants in the evening. Three days is enough time to see everything if you don't take really long breaks.

I could make recommendations for days--but I won't bore you. Speak up if you have more specific questions. Love the Carnation Cafe for lunch and have heard it's great for breakfast too. The little hut across from Indiana Jones (name escapes me at the moment!) has great meat skewers and pretzels for snack/lunch items.

 

[hlbtimes2]

If you havent already bought tickets, your child actually is young enough that you could do the free child with adult ticket. If you havent bought tickets and need more details let me know.

Where to eat: depends on what you like! We like Pizza port in tomorrowland (pizza, pasta, salads). The kids meal is really good. Carnation cafe on main street is good. Breakfast at the riverbell terrace is nice- you can see the boats on rivers of america. They have great Mickey pancakes! We love the chowder or chili in a bread bowl- you can get it in a few places. In DCA, taste pilots grill is great for burgers and chicken sandwiches. There are lots of threads on this board with info on character meals if you are interested in that.

Don't miss the Aladin show in DCA, fireworks and Fantasmic in Disneyland- all great shows! I would take a look at www.disneyland.com for the schedule while you are there, its a good place to start.

Packing: pack for spring weather. Light things that can be layered. Day temps you should be fine in pants or shorts and light shirts. Evenings will be cool, you'll want a sweater or jacket.

 

[viluvsdisney]

Thank you so much! My DH said that the Marriott we're staying in is right next door to the Convention Center (sorry, I don't have a specific name). I have loads of questions, if you're up for it.

1. How are the beds, are they comfortable? I'm a "light" sleeper
2. Are there places nearby the hotel to get good, cheaper meals? DD7 and I will fend for ourselves while DH is in conference, and will need breakfast and maybe dinner out of the park
3. What are some "must-dos" at DL? I familiar with the checklist for WDW, but am wondering if I'm needing more info for DL for the things to see?
4. Does the transportation from the hotel to the DL gates cost $? How much?

Thanks again -- I really appreciate it!

 

[viluvsdisney]

Hi - could you explain the child/adult ticket more? I'm not familiar with that I sure love these boards, though. You guys are great!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Here is a link to the ART site. I will give an idea of what their schedule and costs are. I believe your child is free, and you could get a 5 day pass for $12. (dont quote me on the free child part- we dont usually use ART while we are there).

 

[darph nader]

About 8 or 9 years ago my oldest son won a contest at his school,sell the most stuff get 2 free nights at the Anaheim Marriot. This place is NICE,real nice rooms,pool and bar. Sad to say it was the one and only time we've ever been there. Come on lottery.Back then they had their own private shuttle,looked like old street cars

 

[eduk8r26]

Children 9 and under are free on ART. They still look like streetcars, except motorized. Lots of cheaper places to eat up and down Harbor, all within walking, about 10 minutes or so. IHOP, Denny's Mickey D's, Mimi's, Millie's all have breakfasts and most have good dinners.

 

[funnygarcia]

I liked the Marriot- very comfy beds.
They have a Pizza Hut in the lobby which was nice for a late night meal in our room.
We walked in the mornings to the park.. kinda long walk with little ones though. In the evenings we did ART
http://www.rideart.org/

Info from site:
ART is a fare-based system that offers guests several ways to purchase passes: hotel front desks and concierge, ART kiosks and at visitor centers. One-day unlimited use adult passes are $3, two-day $6, five-day only $12, and children nine and under ride free. However, if you wish to arrive in the greater Anaheim Resort™ "ready to roll", you may purchase tickets online and in conjunction with our variety of packages.
Service Schedule
During peak periods or special events, 10-minute frequency services early morning and evening high-demand periods. Non-peak periods are serviced with 20-minute frequency and a mid-day service break is taken from approximately 1 - 2 p.m


For a checklist of must do's in DL check this out:
http://www.mouseinfo.com/index.php?page=attguide

 

[SunshineOR]

Pretty much all your questions to me have been answered. I'll add that my dh will ONLY stay at Marriotts because they have recently all purchased really nice mattresses and pillows. I'm not picky about it, but he insists he only sleeps well at a Marriott. The hotel is beautiful; if I remember correctly, I thought our kids ate free at breakfast so we ate breakfast in the hotel most of the time. It's been a while though, so that may no longer be the case...

I second the idea that you don't miss Aladdin or Fantasmic, and I don't know if there's an equivalent to Block Party Bash at WDW, but our dds at ages 5 & 7 last trip LOVED it!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

I liked the Marriot- very comfy beds.
They have a Pizza Hut in the lobby which was nice for a late night meal in our room.
We walked in the mornings to the park.. kinda long walk with little ones though. In the evenings we did ART
http://www.rideart.org/

Just stayed at the Marriott two weeks ago. The beds are sooooo comfy. The service is heads and tails above the Hilton - which is across the street. Didn't use the pool,no time and it was cold outside. Pizza Hut is there and it is much cheaper to order and pick it uop yourself vs. having them deliver. They have a Starbucks in the lobby area too. The breakfast buffet restaurant is expensive but kids are only $1.00 which makes it worth it and the food was great. Cooked to order omlettes, and more. Rooms are not big by any means (though I had a HUGE suite for a business conference and i have no idea how much it was) You really don't stay in the room for very long though. Sleep, shower and go.

Again the service was better than any hotel I have been in recently. Always greeted by the staff - all of them.

Have fun!

 

[orial1970]

my family and I are going to Disneyland in May and are staying at the Marriot Suites, Garden Grove. Could anyone please possibly tell me what it is like?

does anyone know what the weather is like in May?
any good eating places?
any must-see attractions?

please give me as much information as possible as I would not want to miss out on anything on our first trip to Disneyland.

thank-you for your help.

 

[npealer]

my family and I are going to Disneyland in May and are staying at the Marriot Suites, Garden Grove. Could anyone please possibly tell me what it is like?

does anyone know what the weather is like in May?
any good eating places?
any must-see attractions?

please give me as much information as possible as I would not want to miss out on anything on our first trip to Disneyland.

thank-you for your help.

That Marriott is a little further and NOT walking distance. ART is good way to get to the park. There are a ton of restaurants in front of that Marriott. Red Robin, Joes Crab Shack and Outback (i think)

And like everyone else said, Go see Aladdin at DCA, and Fantasmic and DL.

 

[viluvsdisney]

All your responese a are SO helpful! I think I'm sold on the Marriott. Any other tips are much appreciated!