Possible Trip in Feb - HELP!!

[Moomduck1]

Hi,
OK, so I haven't been to Disneyland since 1979. HELP!!!

Unfortunately, we won't have nearly as much time as I would have liked. DH might be presenting at a conference in Palm Springs and I am hoping to combine a trip to Disneyland with it. More than likely, we will arrive mid-afternoon on Feb 5 and will have to depart for home on Feb 7. That's a Fri to Sun.

I have no idea where to stay, what kind of prices to expect for hotel and tickets, what is a must-see, must-do, must-eat at!!

Any and all advice is much appreciated. Although, we can't stay longer. DH is a teacher and can only be gone to present at the conference.

Thank you so much!!

 

[VallCopen]

Hi,
OK, so I haven't been to Disneyland since 1979. HELP!!!

Unfortunately, we won't have nearly as much time as I would have liked. DH might be presenting at a conference in Palm Springs and I am hoping to combine a trip to Disneyland with it. More than likely, we will arrive mid-afternoon on Feb 5 and will have to depart for home on Feb 7. That's a Fri to Sun.

I have no idea where to stay, what kind of prices to expect for hotel and tickets, what is a must-see, must-do, must-eat at!!

Any and all advice is much appreciated. Although, we can't stay longer. DH is a teacher and can only be gone to present at the conference.

Thank you so much!!

Well here is my 2 cents worth. I would probably get the 2 or 3 day park hopper, the park hopper ticket allows you to jump between both parks whenever you want ( I believe a 1 day parkhopper is around 95.00, a 2 day hopper is 145.00, and the 3-day hopper is 199.00).

My husband and I love to stay in the park, the magic is just nonstop and for just a few days it might be affordable. Paradise Pier is a beach theme with some disney flair and has a great Californain Park view which runs about 199.00-249.00 depending on deals they have at that time (Feb. usually is low season) if you go with a standard view you might be able to get it for around 169.00 -189.00. If money is not an issue I would stay at the Grand Hotel, it is closer than Paradise Pier and is very nicely done, it has a great pool and you can get many types of views - price runs between 300-500 per night. We stayed in a standard view for 300.00 per night last April and because we loved it so much we bought into the DVC program at the Grand. If you want a better price I have heard many Disers talk about HoJo (Howard Jonhson) which is just about 1 block from Disneyland (10 minute walk) and it is very reasonable on price (90-125), you can take a peak at their website.

We love to eat at Steakhouse 55 or Napa Rose. They are both very good (Napa probably my favorite which is at the Grand Hotel) and run around 125.00 - 150.00 for 2 depending on drinks and dessert. The filet is awesome and so is the mushroom bisque. We have never done ESPN zone but many people like this, much more casual and reasonable prices compared to Napa or 55.

Don't miss the Aladdin show at Disneys Californian Park (DCA) is runs on the weekends about 4 times a day and is a great 1 hour or so show.(very funny)

New rides since 79' that are a must do. At DCA you must do Soarin, Screamin, Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror and if you have kids be sure to try Monsters Inc. At Disneyland the old favorites are a must, Pirates, Space Mountain, Small World, Haunted Mansion and don't forget the new rides such as Indiana Jones, Thunder Mountain Railroad. If you have kids I have heard Nemo is good.

Well I hope I have added a few ideas. Have a great trip...

 

[Moomduck1]

Yes, this info is wonderful!! Thank you so much! Not sure if our kids will be able to go with us or not yet, but they are in college I don't have to worry about kiddie stuff. I'm going to check out the hotels you mentioned! (we like staying on site)

 

[HydroGuy]

This will help bring you back up to speed:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Have a great trip!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Personally, I wouldn't do a big sit down meal if I only had a short time, but that is just me. When we go for only a few days we just do counter service because we want maximum ride (and shopping) time. They do take a big chunk out of your time, but if a nice meal sounds like just the thing for you, then you should do it because there are some very good places.

Some of our favorite counter service places are Whitewater Snacks at the California Grand Hotel and Bengal BBQ in DL. I've also heard good things about the potato soup at Carnation in DL which might be good for a cold Feb. day.

There are so many new things since you've been last, you will have fun no matter what you end up doing!

 

[Moomduck1]

Thanks for the link and the tips!! You guys are really great. And here's a stupid question... it will be cold in Feb?? I'm from PA and I just assumed it was always warm in California!!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

It could be rainy and cool. I'd make sure you have sweatshirts and jackets.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Oh also, I highly second the bengal snacks. They were just enough to keep us going while waiting in a long line and could substitute a meal easy

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the link and the tips!! You guys are really great. And here's a stupid question... it will be cold in Feb?? I'm from PA and I just assumed it was always warm in California!!

Feb average Hi/Lo 70/48 F

"Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

 

[Moomduck1]

I am getting really excited about this trip!! Thanks so much!! Now. I just have to wait until hubby finishes writing his paper and then wait to see if it is accepted so that he can present at the conference!!