Please help with a surprise trip

[maxy mouse]

It has been a hard couple of months with health concerns, working though the holidays, grueling times at work and school. Yesterday DH decided we needed a break so he has booked a trip from our home in Maryland to Disneyland (2/2). We have decided to make it a true surprise for DD (11). We’ll just put her in the car for the drive to school and head to the airport for the fight to Long Beach. We will be staying at Howard Johnson’s across from the park. With everything going on I will not have time to research and plan this trip. We have work again today (so much for weekends off).

I am asking for your help.

What do you suggest about transportation? Should we just grab a cab from the airport or rent a car perhaps using one of the on line biding sites?

It’s been about 5 years since our last visit what should we know about the parks? Is there a “don’t miss” for our Disney Tween?

What are your suggestions for meals in the area both on and off Disney property? Our last couple of visits we hunted Mimi’s Café.

Thanks everyone

 

[Dizzy4DL]

Could you give us a few details?
How many days in the park? How many nights at the hotel? Are you a budget traveler or can you afford some expensive meals and experiences?

My dd is 10 and we went last year. She loved the World of Color show, Tower of Terror, all of the roller coasters, and Build a Bear in DTD.

 

[tiggerjay]

Here are a couple of thoughts...

1) Medical concerns - if there are any currently going on be sure to take those into account before you leave. If there are dietary restrictions call Disney Dining in advance, make reservations and dietary needs known ASAP. If there is medicine that needs special storage, you can store those at the first aid center. If there are disabilities there is a forum board here just for that to help you address those sorts of accomidations;

2) Need a break - great, first thing as a priority - this trip is a vacation, a break. don't overstress, over plan or approach this trip with a checklist of things to complete. Instead keep reminding yourself you're on vacation, take it slow. If your goal is to relax, don't try to get everything done on this trip. Focus on family and comfort. Sleep in if you need to, take breaks, go slow. Spoil your bodies.

3) Transportation - if you are only going to DLR then just take a cab or a shuttle. No need to rent a car. Also save yourself the stress, budget to eat in the parks or on property. People get stressed when traveling off site for food because they're missing park time.

4) The only "don't miss" would be #2 above --- don't miss that this is a vacation. Don't return more worn out! Also be sure to slow down to enjoy and capture the moments with your family.

Have fun!

 

[mouseymommy]

One of the best trips to Disneyland we ever had was a trip we planned in about a week or so. We didn't have any plans except a character breakfast one morning. It was so fun and relaxed and easy. We had also had a very stressful year, and it really helped to relax and have fun together again. I would say to just concentrate on being together and make it as easy as possible. Have fun!

 

[maxy mouse]

Four days away.

Thanks you guys. The key words will be slow and easy.

 

[jory29]

As much as I love a good surprise, have you considered maybe letting your DD know at least a couple of weeks or more in advance? The reason I say this, is because when we planned our first trip to Disneyland, the kids loved planning it right alongside of us, and it was really nice quality family time, and something to anticipate and really look forward to. We looked at youtube videos of the rides together, we looked at the DISboards, we views maps, menus, and more!

Although I can see it is also exciting for an 11 year old to just be whisked off to Disneyland, it might be nice for her to be included in the planning, and to set her mind on a flight, the trip, and to view the Hojo's website, webcam, etc. in advance.

I know for us the anticipation is always such a huge part of the fun, and I worry she might be missing out on quite a bit if this is a surprise trip right up until the last minute...


Edited to add:

Execucar Express is very reliable, and is around $72 one way from LAX if you use their business class service, which is a Honda Odyssey.

Mimi's is still great. Remember to sign up your email addy a couple of weeks in advance to get some great coupons. Can also sign up for Denny's, for 20% off of meal coupon.

A don't miss might be the drawing studio inside California Adventure Park. Maybe eating lunch inside the Blue Bayou.... Carnation Cafe is closed right now until summer.

Menus for in and around the park are here: http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm

Build a Bear in Downtown Disney is a nice stop for a souvenir for an 11 year old. Only $18 or so for a stuffed animal, with online code, etc. (This is without all the extra clothes, lol for the stuffed toy.)

Your daughter might get a kick out of buying one vinylmation when there, then trading it all over the park for various ones, until she gets a really cool one she wants to keep. Around $10 for that.