*****Official February 2015 Thread! Come check in and chat!*****

[ClaraOswald]

Following along. We're not officially going yet but leaning that way. I happen to have two weeks off in February from work and am trying to talk my DH into going down to DL for a few day.

I've priced out the hotel and found a pretty good deal that includes breakfast. Wish I could find a deal for the tickets. We're looking at rough 2/19-21 or 22nd.

We went on a Disney cruise this past September and it awoken our love for all things Disney. It also got us hooked on pins lol. We haven't been to Disneyland together since 2003 and I haven't been since 2009 so long over due.

Any advice for deals or must dos? Were lookig to do this on the cheap so probably not do any dining in the park. But if we do decide to do one where is everyone's favorite? Thanks!

Keep in mind, the crowds could be a bit heavier on those dates since it's right after President's day.

We eat most of our meals in the parks. I honestly don't find counter service places to be that expensive especially if it saves us time. We like a lot of various places even though none of the food is over-the-top fantastic or anything. I like the pasta at Pizza Port. And I like the food at Rancho del Zocalo. There's a place at DCA we're wanting to try called Paradise Grill. Hungry Bear has decent burgers.

 

[Aladora]

Is anyone thinking of trying out the new Fantasmic! packages?

I was just talking about this with my husband last night and he's nudging towards us doing the BB package but I am less enthused since I've never had a good meal there and definitely never had one that was worth the $. But, he is convinced that has to change one day and wants to try again!

I think we are going to adopt a wait and see attitude about the F! dining. I'd like to see where the viewing areas are and also what the menus are like.

Following along. We're not officially going yet but leaning that way. I happen to have two weeks off in February from work and am trying to talk my DH into going down to DL for a few day.

I've priced out the hotel and found a pretty good deal that includes breakfast. Wish I could find a deal for the tickets. We're looking at rough 2/19-21 or 22nd.

We went on a Disney cruise this past September and it awoken our love for all things Disney. It also got us hooked on pins lol. We haven't been to Disneyland together since 2003 and I haven't been since 2009 so long over due.

Any advice for deals or must dos? Were lookig to do this on the cheap so probably not do any dining in the park. But if we do decide to do one where is everyone's favorite? Thanks!

Welcome and let me know if/when you do book!

As for dining, it depends on what you are looking for with meals/restaurants.

If you are asking about character meals then if I could only pick one it would be Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn.

For Table Service, most people would say you should not miss Blue Bayou and definitely get a waterside table. I disagree only because I am not a big fan of the food at BB but I agree that the ambiance cannot be topped!

For the best Table Service food in DL/DCA, my vote is for Carthay Circle.

For (in my opinion) great value at a Counter Service, I would say go to Plaza Inn for lunch or dinner and order the fried chicken and share it with your husband. If you don't think it's going to be enough food, just get another side but DH and I split it all the time and we have never walked away hungry.

If you can pack away a lot of BBQ, then the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ would be a good value for you.

Oh, and over in DCA you can go to the Pacific Wharf Cafe and get one of the soups in a bread bowl but ask for the soup in a container instead of the bread. That way you get the cup of soup and a yummy loaf of sourdough bread to snack on for the rest of the day!

 

[AZMermaid]

I agree the quick service meals are not terribly expensive. The portions of pasta are huge and tasty at Pizza Port in Tomorrowland.

We are not trying the Fantasmic packages this time. I was thinking about doing the dessert one next time (in like 2 years), but now they have replaced it with these new ones. In the past, we have stuck close to the kids' bedtime of 7:00 so no nighttime entertainment for us. We tried to stay late last trip (Dec 2012) and our kids started melting down at 6:30. They were 10 months and just over 2 at that time, so we are hoping for one late night this time but are playing it by ear!

 

[StyledSugar]

I second the fried chicken, although I've never had it at Plaza Inn. Years ago they served fried chicken at the French Market (I'm fairly certain that's where it was) and it was amazing!! We are definitely going to the Plaza Inn on our first night for dinner just for the chicken.

We also love the soup bowls at DCA but unlike others, I get the soup in the bread. I love how it sort of absorbs into the bottom of the bread. Yum! Probably my favorite place to eat in DCA.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I was just talking about this with my husband last night and he's nudging towards us doing the BB package but I am less enthused since I've never had a good meal there and definitely never had one that was worth the $. But, he is convinced that has to change one day and wants to try again!

I think we are going to adopt a wait and see attitude about the F! dining. I'd like to see where the viewing areas are and also what the menus are like.




Welcome and let me know if/when you do book!

As for dining, it depends on what you are looking for with meals/restaurants.

If you are asking about character meals then if I could only pick one it would be Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn.

For Table Service, most people would say you should not miss Blue Bayou and definitely get a waterside table. I disagree only because I am not a big fan of the food at BB but I agree that the ambiance cannot be topped!

For the best Table Service food in DL/DCA, my vote is for Carthay Circle.

For (in my opinion) great value at a Counter Service, I would say go to Plaza Inn for lunch or dinner and order the fried chicken and share it with your husband. If you don't think it's going to be enough food, just get another side but DH and I split it all the time and we have never walked away hungry.

If you can pack away a lot of BBQ, then the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ would be a good value for you.

Oh, and over in DCA you can go to the Pacific Wharf Cafe and get one of the soups in a bread bowl but ask for the soup in a container instead of the bread. That way you get the cup of soup and a yummy loaf of sourdough bread to snack on for the rest of the day!

If you order it in a cup...do you get bread too or do you have to order that separately?

I used to love the cheddar broccoli soup but I think they may have changed it in recent years.

 

[MadameRebecca]

What is the package?

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/fantasmic-dining-packages/

I haven't seen Fantasmic! and these packages are starting in December so I'll be interested in reading reviews.

 

[minneylovesmicky]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/fantasmic-dining-packages/

I haven't seen Fantasmic! and these packages are starting in December so I'll be interested in reading reviews.

Thanks for that link, i shall check it out

 

[MadameRebecca]

If you order it in a cup...do you get bread too or do you have to order that separately? I used to love the cheddar broccoli soup but I think they may have changed it in recent years.

From their menu:

"Thick and Hearty Soups

Served in a sourdough bread bowl,
baked fresh on-premises in the Boudin Bakery!

Clam Chowder - Rich and creamy chowder with diced potatoes, celery, onion and peppers. $9.99

Broccoli and Cheese - Cheesy soup made with Cheddar cheese, fresh broccoli florets, diced onions and green bell pepers. $9.99

Ask About Today's Featured Soup!"


Broccoli and cheese sounds amazing!!!!!

 

[ClaraOswald]

The soup I remember did not have bell peppers (yuck.)

 

[Aladora]

New question for everyone!

For first timers: Are there any questions you were hoping to get answered?

For those who have been before: What are some of your top tips or secrets you want to share?


I shared one of my top tips earlier about Grizzly River, there are some small lockers that are free for 2 hours just behind the Aulani display to the left of the GRR entrance. I brought flip flops for us to wear on the ride so we did not have to walk around in wet shoes afterwards and we stored the rest of our items in the lockers while we rode.

If you are eating dinner early at Carthay Circle and it is right around the parade time, let your server know you want to go out onto the upstairs balcony and watch the Pixar parade. The characters know that people watch from there and just about all of them look up at wave. It's a great place to watch the parade without dealing with crowds.

For those who have never been to the Anaheim area, some people (myself and my son included) find that the tap water tastes odd and we can't drink it. Bottled water in DL is around $4 a bottle. However, there is a small convenience store at the Park Vue Inn which is right across the street from DL and bottled water there is just a bit over $1/bottle after tax. Also, the Denny's just two doors down sells Dasani for $0.99/bottle. All CS places in DL will give you a cup of ice water that does not have the same odd taste.

 

[Satye1]

Joining the Thread...We plan to fly in FEB 27-3/3! Staying at Double Tree Suites---or at least I think...also considering Embassy Suites Anaheim Orange---Using Hilton Honors Points. Thoughts opinions welcome on both Double Tree & Embassy Suites Orange

This time doing the So Cal City Passes...planning to add disney day to this & Book Goofys Kitchen. Family of 4---2 girls (ages 10 & 8)

This will be our 3rd Trip...
2013---Embassy Suites South
2011---Carousel Inn & Suites

 

[Aladora]

Joining the Thread...We plan to fly in FEB 27-3/3! Staying at Double Tree Suites---or at least I think...also considering Embassy Suites Anaheim Orange---Using Hilton Honors Points. Thoughts opinions welcome on both Double Tree & Embassy Suites Orange

This time doing the So Cal City Passes...planning to add disney day to this & Book Goofys Kitchen. Family of 4---2 girls (ages 10 & 8)

This will be our 3rd Trip...
2013---Embassy Suites South
2011---Carousel Inn & Suites

Welcome to the February thread, I've added you to the first thread!

We've never stayed at any of the places you mentioned so I'm sorry, no advice from me!

 

[MadameRebecca]

New question for everyone! For first timers: Are there any questions you were hoping to get answered? For those who have been before: What are some of your top tips or secrets you want to share?.

I've been to Disneyland only once and DCA was only half done from memory. I don't feel I have any tips but I do have a question....
We will be travelling with a 13 month old and I just wondered if there's anywhere we can enjoy an adult drink and have our baby with us? I just realised how odd that sounds, but I'm only talking one drink just to enjoy the sunset or the end of a great day.

 

[Aladora]

I've been to Disneyland only once and DCA was only half done from memory. I don't feel I have any tips but I do have a question.... We will be travelling with a 13 month old and I just wondered if there's anywhere we can enjoy an adult drink and have our baby with us? I just realised how odd that sounds, but I'm only talking one drink just to enjoy the sunset or the end of a great day.

Not an odd question at all! The only place in disneyland you can get alcohol is Club 33 and if you can get in there, I'd love to become your bestest friend in the whole world!

You can get a drink in California Adventures and you can bring your baby everywhere as far as I know. I personally love the pear martini at Carthay circle, the blue drink at WCT (no idea what it is but it is blue and sweet and yummy!) and the drinks at the Mad T Party although that might not be the best place for a baby!

 

[MadameRebecca]

Not an odd question at all! The only place in disneyland you can get alcohol is Club 33 and if you can get in there, I'd love to become your bestest friend in the whole world! You can get a drink in California Adventures and you can bring your baby everywhere as far as I know. I personally love the pear martini at Carthay circle, the blue drink at WCT (no idea what it is but it is blue and sweet and yummy!) and the drinks at the Mad T Party although that might not be the best place for a baby!

Thanks so much! I didn't want you all to think we take our baby to bars or anything lol. Nice to know we can have an adult moment while on holidays.

Club 33.....I wish! *sigh* If I win lotto I'll let you know

 

[Aladora]

Thanks so much! I didn't want you all to think we take our baby to bars or anything lol. Nice to know we can have an adult moment while on holidays.

Club 33.....I wish! *sigh* If I win lotto I'll let you know

There is one bar that is adults only after 8:00 pm but I *think* you can still sit on the patio with kids but for the life of me I can't remember where it is.

And as for taking your baby to a bar, in my humble opinion as long as you are not bothering other patrons, not taking your baby to a club and as long as the baby is not drinking alcohol then why would it be a problem?

 

[Starrynight15287]

Asking for a friend(my family just came back in oct.) in feb. Is it necessary to get to HS at rope drop to participate in Jedi training?!?
Also, is there anything special going on the first week of Feb I should tell her?

 

[Aladora]

Asking for a friend(my family just came back in oct.) in feb. Is it necessary to get to HS at rope drop to participate in Jedi training?!?
Also, is there anything special going on the first week of Feb I should tell her?

Are you asking this about WDW or DL? I think you meant to ask about WDW but you have posted on a thread about DL.

 

[Starrynight15287]

Are you asking this about WDW or DL? I think you meant to ask about WDW but you have posted on a thread about DL.

oops, yes, WDW...sorry didn't catch that

 

[Czardas]

Here is one of my favourites tips, as it will save you time;

When buying a dole whip at the kiosk in front of the Tiki Room, DONT get in the long queue out the front, go in through the turnstiles, as there is a second much smaller queue in the TR waiting area. You can then leave via the turnstiles.

I also pass this secret on to the last person in the long queue