Ohhhh boy~ here we go again! Anderson/VanDamme Vegas/California road trip vacation!

[reyasmommy]

Day 2 ~ September 22nd

Another LONG drive today, but nothing compared to the previous day.

We have a 384 mile/6 hour drive

6:30 am - Wake
7:30 am - Wake up DD
8:00 am - Leave room to have breakfast

We will be eating our yummy free breakfast at the hotel before we hit the road.

I have to admit for a free breakfast they sure do offer a nice spread ~

* Waffles
* Pancakes
* Eggs
* Biscuts and gravy
* Sausage
* Bagles
* Juice
* Donuts
* And much more!!

Mmmmmmmmmm ....... Like I said my diet goes right out the window when I'm on vacation.

Right after breakfast we will be on our merry way!! Disney Land here we come !!!!

After our long 6 hour drive we will hopefully arrive at our hotel around 4:30 pm, if not a little earlier. I am a little fearful that there will be a lot of rush-hour traffic at this time. ((Crossing my fingers it won't be that bad))

We are staying at the Anabella Hotel ((I'll post pictures later)) which is situated directly across the street from California Adventure. However all the literature I've been reading states that it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the main gate. Has anyone stayed here before? If so I would LOVE some more information on it. Anythng you could offer would be helpful.

I booked a Concierge room. It's supposed to be an upgraded room with the following amenities:

* Newly renovated
* Exclusive check in and check out desk
* CD clock radio
* Full granite bathrooms
* Bathbobes and slippers
* Luxury Bedding ((VERY IMPORTANT))
* Complimentary continental breakfast
* Concierge service
* Complimentary business center usage
* Extended fitness center hours
* private patios
* Exclusive club anabella buildings

The room we are staying in has a King Sized bed for my husband and I, and a double bed for my DD. This is important because the last time we stayed at a hotel we all shared a King and my husband ended up getting kicked off by DD. Poor thing ended up sleeping in a chair.

Be back with some more Septebmer 22nd plans and pictures ....

 

[MadiMouse]

Day 2 ~ September 22nd

Another LONG drive today, but nothing compared to the previous day.

We have a 384 mile/6 hour drive

6:30 am - Wake
7:30 am - Wake up DD
8:00 am - Leave room to have breakfast

We will be eating our yummy free breakfast at the hotel before we hit the road.

I have to admit for a free breakfast they sure do offer a nice spread ~

* Waffles
* Pancakes
* Eggs
* Biscuts and gravy
* Sausage
* Bagles
* Juice
* Donuts
* And much more!!

Mmmmmmmmmm ....... Like I said my diet goes right out the window when I'm on vacation.

Right after breakfast we will be on our merry way!! Disney Land here we come !!!!

After our long 6 hour drive we will hopefully arrive at our hotel around 4:30 pm, if not a little earlier. I am a little fearful that there will be a lot of rush-hour traffic at this time. ((Crossing my fingers it won't be that bad))

We are staying at the Anabella Hotel ((I'll post pictures later)) which is situated directly across the street from California Adventure. However all the literature I've been reading states that it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the main gate. Has anyone stayed here before? If so I would LOVE some more information on it. Anythng you could offer would be helpful.

I booked a Concierge room. It's supposed to be an upgraded room with the following amenities:

* Newly renovated
* Exclusive check in and check out desk
* CD clock radio
* Full granite bathrooms
* Bathbobes and slippers
* Luxury Bedding ((VERY IMPORTANT))
* Complimentary continental breakfast
* Concierge service
* Complimentary business center usage
* Extended fitness center hours
* private patios
* Exclusive club anabella buildings

The room we are staying in has a King Sized bed for my husband and I, and a double bed for my DD. This is important because the last time we stayed at a hotel we all shared a King and my husband ended up getting kicked off by DD. Poor thing ended up sleeping in a chair.

Be back with some more Septebmer 22nd plans and pictures ....

Your plans sound great. I go on diets just to go on vacation.
Are you planning to hit the parks after checking in? Oh, and luxury bedding is a must.

 

[mommaU4]

I bet you go to the Grand Canyon often, being that you live in Vegas? Yes?

Actually no. Not sure why. We've been before when Adam and Noelle were little. I liked it, but honestly with the kids walking all over, I couldn't relax. I was worried something would happen to them. Some of those edges were just crazy scary!!!

Your plans sound great. I go on diets just to go on vacation.

Me too!!! My Disney trip is actually helping me with my diet because everytime I want to cheat, I remind myself if that if I be good now, I can be really bad in Disney.

 

[mommaU4]

Day 2 ~ September 22nd

We are staying at the Anabella Hotel ((I'll post pictures later)) which is situated directly across the street from California Adventure. However all the literature I've been reading states that it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the main gate. Has anyone stayed here before? If so I would LOVE some more information on it. Anythng you could offer would be helpful.

I've never stayed there but I Googled it and it looks nice. Have you checked it out on tripadvisor? I never book anything without checking there first. Although you have to take all the reviews, both good and bad with a grain of salt, kwim?
Here's the link if you want to see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...eviews-Anabella_Hotel-Anaheim_California.html

The upgrade to a concierge room sounds really nice.

 

[reyasmommy]

I've never stayed there but I Googled it and it looks nice. Have you checked it out on tripadvisor? I never book anything without checking there first. Although you have to take all the reviews, both good and bad with a grain of salt, kwim?
Here's the link if you want to see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...eviews-Anabella_Hotel-Anaheim_California.html

The upgrade to a concierge room sounds really nice.

Yep, I ALWAYS check out trip advisor first too. Seemed to get pretty good reviews, there were a few bad ones, but you can never make EVERYONE happy!

 

[mommaU4]

Yep, I ALWAYS check out trip advisor first too. Seemed to get pretty good reviews, there were a few bad ones, but you can never make EVERYONE happy!

No you can't. And I don't know about you but we just don't ever spend much time in our hotel room so as long as it's clean, I don't care about much else. I guess that's why I could never justify spending the money to stay "on-site" since I'm never in my room unless I'm asleep.

I'm just curious, did you guys consider the HoJo at all? I only ask because the kids might like the new Castaway Cove.

 

[reyasmommy]

So I finally figured out to scan and post my wedding pictures from WDW. Makes me sad to look back at these pictures, I was so skinny and had some rocking legs.

DAD~LINDA~ME~DH

THIS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO WAS AT MY WEDDING! TALK ABOUT SMALL ~ BUT IT WAS PERFECT

LOOK YOU CAN SEE CINDERELLA'S CASTLE WAY THERE IN THE BACK GROUND!

PICTURES AREN'T THE BEST QUALITY BECAUSE THEY'RE SCANNED, HOPE YOU ENJOY ANYWAY.

 

[reyasmommy]

No you can't. And I don't know about you but we just don't ever spend much time in our hotel room so as long as it's clean, I don't care about much else. I guess that's why I could never justify spending the money to stay "on-site" since I'm never in my room unless I'm asleep.

I'm just curious, did you guys consider the HoJo at all? I only ask because the kids might like the new Castaway Cove.

No, I didn't. Is it nice? I pretty much chose the Anabella because of the comfy looking beds. That's the MOST important thing to me.

I had a REALLY horrible experience at the Excalibur in Vegas back in March, so I'm a little more picky about my hotels these days.

 

[mommaU4]

No, I didn't. Is it nice? I pretty much chose the Anabella because of the comfy looking beds. That's the MOST important thing to me.

I had a REALLY horrible experience at the Excalibur in Vegas back in March, so I'm a little more picky about my hotels these days.

I think it's nice. Not fancy, but clean and nice.

Here is a link to the Castaway Cove pics:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=205

Here is a link to the pics I took last time we stayed there: (scroll about half way down the page and you'll see them)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1836870&page=7

And here is a link to the tripadvisor page about the HoJo:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...n_Plaza_Hotel_Anaheim-Anaheim_California.html


And a link to the upgraded bedding they are putting in:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=17


I think the Anabella is nice, don't get me wrong. I just thought about Castaway Cove with the kids. Maybe something to keep in mind for a future trip.

 

[mommaU4]

You're wedding pics are so nice!!!! Awww, look at you two. What a great couple you make. And what a pretty setting. Thanks so much for sharing those.

 

[reyasmommy]

I think it's nice. Not fancy, but clean and nice.

Here is a link to the Castaway Cove pics:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=205

Here is a link to the pics I took last time we stayed there: (scroll about half way down the page and you'll see them)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1836870&page=7

And here is a link to the tripadvisor page about the HoJo:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...n_Plaza_Hotel_Anaheim-Anaheim_California.html


And a link to the upgraded bedding they are putting in:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=17


I think the Anabella is nice, don't get me wrong. I just thought about Castaway Cove with the kids. Maybe something to keep in mind for a future trip.

Thank you for all the information !

You're wedding pics are so nice!!!! Awww, look at you two. What a great couple you make. And what a pretty setting. Thanks so much for sharing those.

You're very welcome, it was my pleasure! I'm hoping to go back for our 10 year anniversary and renew our vows at the Wedding Pavillion!

 

[reyasmommy]

Your plans sound great. I go on diets just to go on vacation.
Are you planning to hit the parks after checking in? Oh, and luxury bedding is a must.

Actually I'm not sure what we're going to do once we check in. But once I figure it out I promise to post.... Miss Southern Belle

 

[MadiMouse]

Okay, I officially hate you! Just Kidding!
Girl, you look so good in your wedding pics! Your DH is sooooo darn cute!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing those with us!

 

[reyasmommy]

Okay, I officially hate you! Just Kidding!
Girl, you look so good in your wedding pics! Your DH is sooooo darn cute!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing those with us!

Awweeeee!! Thank you! You're too sweet!

 

[reyasmommy]

So I just found out that my Dad and Linda booked their room at the Anabella too. That means all 9 of us will be staying at the same place. YAY! This will make things much more convenient. Plus now we have a couple of babysitters if we decide to stay out late and party! ~~~~~ Ahhhhhh, who am I kidding?!?! I don't party anymore!! But HEY, at least I know we have a babysiter if I decide to, right?

 

[reyasmommy]

Here's some pictures I found of THE ANABELLA

 

[reyasmommy]

Here's a few more pictures of our Grand Canyon/San Diego/Vegas/DL trip last year ...........


~ Reya wanting to Order some Room Service

~ Our hotel room at the MGM GRAND

~ Reya playing in her jumper in our Room in Vegas ((I miss that thing))

~ View from our room

I'll have more later

 

[MadiMouse]

Your DD is just too cute!!!! I want to see a picture of the wedding cake!!!!!! LOL.

The Annabella is nice. We are staying at HoJo's.

 

[reyasmommy]

I have a few questions for you DL pros before I can continue on with my Day 2 plans.


1. Has anyone eaten at Tortilla Jos before, if so how is the food?

2. Are there any GREAT restaurants NOT on Disney Property that you would recommend? I don't want anything to far, would like to stay in the area. Any good take-out restaurants would be a huge plus.

3. Has anyone eaten at a restaurant called "TIFFY'S"? It's right next to our hotel and I was wondering if it's worth going to.

4. Has anyone done the CLUB LIBBY LU thing? And if so, is it something a 4 year old would enjoy?

5. Anything you would recommend that I need to see or do when I'm at DTD?

Also..... I'm going to be making gift baskets or bags filled with Disney items for the kids. I'll leave those in the rooms at night (( From Mickey and Tinker bell of course)) before they retire the first night. Does anybody have any cute or unique ideas for me on how to go about this?


So far some of the items I'm planning on incuding are:

1. Disney Dollars
2. Disney Snacks
3. Disney beach balls for playing in the pool
4. Disney coloring books and crayons
5. Disney beanies
6. Sand pail and shovel for when we go to the beach
7. Autograph books

I'll probably change it up a little for each kid.

I've already been told to check out my local Dollar Tree store. ((never shopped there before)) So I'll definitely do that soon.

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[reyasmommy]

Your DD is just too cute!!!! I want to see a picture of the wedding cake!!!!!! LOL.

The Annabella is nice. We are staying at HoJo's.

Thank you, she is a cuite huh.

Ohhhh boy, my cake was sooooo small. But I'll see if I can send a picture. And of course Minnie and Mickey were on top. I have my cake topper sitting on the fireplace right now, so maybe I'll send a picture of that.