Ok, experts, help me plan my August trip!

[Dobie]

Several factors are going into this August trip. The most important is that my only child is going off to college at the end of the summer! (sniff) When I asked her where she would like to go for our last family vacation, she said "Disneyland." So that settles that. We were last there in 2006 during the week of the Pirates opening, so I am hoping we can plan something a little less "exciting," if you know what I mean.

Here are the givens:

* The only time we can be away is Sunday, August 3rd through Monday, August 12.
* We are flying in to John Wayne and staying at the GCH
* We want to spend 3 nights at Disney and three nights at a nice, local beach
* We won't have a rental car.

I need help choosing a beach, a beach hotel, and deciding whether Fantasmic Premium seating is work the extra expense. We probably won't eat any character meals, but will have dinner at Storytellers at least once. I was thinking of spending Monday, Tues, and Weds nights at Disneyland, then hitting the parks until we we exhausted on Thursday, catching a cab to the beach, and hanging out for the rest of Thursday, and Friday, before catching a flight back on Saturday. Or, is there a better combination of days?

Oh, and does anyone know anything about Visa "premium parade viewing?"

Thanks so much!

 

[CoolPool]

I think your idea is brilliant and she will love it. I would choose Laguna Beach personally. If you want to be closer to John Wayne Airport then I'd pick Balboa (lots of cute CA shops/beach/bay/cute little ferry/etc.).

 

[lovedoggies]

We stayed at a wonderful hotel right near the water in Newport Beach. GREAT location! Excellent service. Beyond excellent service actually. Its not a big chain type of hotel, its more like you are an actual 'guest' when you stay there. They want you to be comfortable and go out of their way to make sure everything is perfect. They will give you recommendations for places to eat, things to do, arrange boat rentals even! It really is a nice place - not as fancy as the Grand Californian, but clean rooms, comfy beds, all the amenities you need. It was about $280-300/nt for a room with 2 queen beds. Its called the Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel. You'll be able to see the boats in the bay, you can easily walk to shops, restaurants, etc. The water is literally right there, maybe 2 blocks. The pier is right there, and its just a great location. Easy to get to from Disneyland, too. I think a 20 min drive or so. We loved this place! I think it would be perfect for you!

 

[Dobie]

Thanks, coolpool and lovedoggies!