PTR: And now for something completely different - a WDW Family does DLR *(new October 9th)*

[TheMaxRebo]

You know, because it's very important to eat regularly to sustain your energy for Disneyland touring. Or because there are too darn many tasty things.



Plans are looking good. None of it is really my area of expertise yet, but I'll be taking notes on what works for you!

There are a lot of really tasty sounding things - and all new to me so of course I want to try them all. Might have to have multiple lunches on multiple days

Hopefully at least some of it winds up working

I have no basis for making any suggestions as we are trying to figure out when we can take our first Disneyland trip ourselves. But I can say the plan looks good to me and I think I am going to steal your idea of having 1st lunch and 2nd lunch! I could really go for some Columbia Harbour House on this next trip for 1st lunch and then a chicken/waffle sandwich from Sleepy Hollow at about 1 as we leave the park for a break. I think you are on to a great idea!!

Well, I think the chicken/waffle sandwich can definitely count as a snack if you don't want to go full on 2nd lunch. Actually, promoting the 4th meal could be a good move for Disney - make a little extra money and fit more ADRs into the hard to get places

As someone who also plans their Disney vacations around food (I may have an ADR problem... ), I think your plans look great! It appears you'll be hitting all the highlights and your must-dos.

Also, coming from someone who once had four ADRs in a single day (Kona Cafe, Rose and Crown, Le Cellier, and the Wishes Dessert Party), I can totally stand behind multiple lunches!

Finally, I adore your spreadsheet! Along with many on the DIS, I'm a big fan of my spreadsheets!

First off, the only ADR "problem" is when you can't get the ones you want

This is just proof to my point in the above post - the 4th meal at Disney can work!

Hi joining in . Its exciting to be going to a new Disney park. I love how everything goes back to food. The food is sooo good there. Also, love to see another person who loves spreadsheets, they're my favorite. Very cool how you have a link to the menus . Interested to see how your planning goes.

Thanks for joining Ashley! I tend to do a lot of my Disney planning around food - so not surprised I went there first before any of the attractions when it came to learning about Disneyland. Definitely a spreadsheet fan. Use Excel a ton at work so it is fun to use those skills for something a bit more fun

That's awesome that you guys brought your 1-month old!!! We were in Orlando when our son was almost 2-months, but we just went to Downtown Disney with him.
We are planning to go to Disney in April, when our son will be 9-months. Any tips on rides that you guys were able to bring the little one?

Definitely let me know of any specific questions you have regarding with the little ones. I think the best thing is just to know you are going to have to take it a bit easier and go with the flow a bit - there is a good side to that as it almost forces you to slow down and take in the Disney details a bit more.

Oh, not sure if you are nursing, but there are a ton of places to nurse at Disney - dark rides and really any ride in a boat works especially well

All caught up!

Belated happpy birthdays to you and Olivia. My oldest granddaughter will be six in April. I know it's cliche, but time certainly flies, doesn't it?

Spreadsheets and researching restaurants! I can relate! That's definitely my thing in trip planning.

I've never been to DL, but there seems to be plenty of great food options. Any day that has Lunch 1 and Lunch 2 sounds like my kind of day!

Thank you Annie! Time really does fly - I still remember brining Olivia to Disney World when she was 8 months old.

I think 1/2 the reason we go to Disney is so I can use spreadsheets and research restaurants

My son tends to eat about 4 lunches lately - so he will definitely be on board with our double lunch day

 

[TheMaxRebo]

1st lunch and 2nd lunch sounds amazing to me!! Love your spreadsheet I also have some spreadsheets for each upcoming trip, plus some planned out ones for the far future like south Africa, Australia, Greece...lol! I think it is helpful to work on food choices first so you can have an idea of which park you need to be in on specific days. Helps narrow things down a bit.

Gotta fit all those food options in! Plus I figure with the early entry that day we will probably be up for an earlier lunch (a.k.a. lunch 1)

That is totally my thinking with the food choices and using that to help guide what days we do what parks (that and park hours and if any events)

I approve!

I'm impressed. That's some hardcore planning, right there!

Looks great!

The only one on your list that we did was Ariel's Grotto. Our focus was extremely heavy on rides/shows for our DL trip and food was not much more than an afterthought. We booked Ariel's Grotto just because DD loved CRT so much and we thought it would be a good way to see the princesses. But I have to say, I thought the food was great. I'm not even a big seafood fan so I ordered the beef and it was very good.

Thank you! I take great honor in you calling my planning "hard core"

Good to hear about Ariel's Grotto - the pictures I have seen make the food look pretty good and I am sure we will love the princesses

Remove the cone of shame ... attach the cone of triumph!

As a fellow spreadsheeter, I approve of your laid out plans!!

I totally undersdtand stressing about not being able to plan things fully yet. Disneyland certainly is very different!

Thank you Alexis - I definitely think we could start a pretty quiality group of spreadsheet users here on the DIS

It is totally different and I just have to come to terms with the difference in dates that you can book things out at.

Plans sound like they are coming along. As we all know, food is a very important part of our vacation experience. I am loving your spreadsheet. I'm thinking by the time you go that you will be one of my go-to people when I start planning our trip in 2017.

Wow, thanks for saying that Kathy - definitely hope that my planning and (hopefully the report of how things actually go) will be of use to you!

I think we just enjoy eating out so no matter where we go food is an important part of vacation

Your dining plans look great.

Thank you! Hope it works out as well as the plan makes it look

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I have to agree. A big part of our trip was the food!!! Looking forward to hearing about your choices when you go.

a big part of our trip is always food Looking forward to reporting back on everything!

Wow, I am really impressed with your spreadsheet!! Your plans look great!

Thank you! I think they are looking good - in some ways look like some full days but we probably will also like the rest of a sit down meal during the day

 

[STLMickeyMom]

so many things I love in this update and none really have to do with Disney......

uh, Ron? with his "i do what I want" permit? love, love, LOVE Ron!!

Will Farrell? can never go wrong with him!

and, I've recently taken on a new job with the family I work for. I'm a nanny and the boy's dad (he has his own business) decided to hire me as his client services manager to help him out. I have recently become enamored with spreadsheets and am thinking I should spreadsheet the heck out of the Disney cruise planning!

see? i'm getting great tips from your ptr already!

 

[Leshaface]

To be fair - who doesn't like spreadsheets?

Guess i'm gonna have steal this

]

Haven't booked the flights yet but will try to work it so we can do that breakfast at S55 on that last day - definitely would like to have one early morning at DCA

Totally.

Figure with the 3 kids anything we can do to make seeing Fantasmic! and WoC with less wiating will be for the best

Absolutely, i'd pay whatever it takes and I only have one kid!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

so many things I love in this update and none really have to do with Disney......

uh, Ron? with his "i do what I want" permit? love, love, LOVE Ron!!

Will Farrell? can never go wrong with him!

and, I've recently taken on a new job with the family I work for. I'm a nanny and the boy's dad (he has his own business) decided to hire me as his client services manager to help him out. I have recently become enamored with spreadsheets and am thinking I should spreadsheet the heck out of the Disney cruise planning!

see? i'm getting great tips from your ptr already!

Wow - imagine how good the update would have been if I included some good Disney stuff

I mean, Ron is just the best - so many great quotes ... and Will too - very excited for his new movie

Oh gosh yes you should spreadsheet the heck out of the Disney cruise planning! Nothing quite as satisfying as seeing a fully realized Disney day that fits nicely into a spreadsheet

Glad I can help!

Guess i'm gonna have steal this

]

Totally.

Absolutely, i'd pay whatever it takes and I only have one kid!

Love how quoting your response to my response is mostly just a bunch of smiles and the cone of shame

Also like this dug one:

 

[khertz]

Just got all caught up on your plans. I am so with you, planning for DL is soooooooo slow compared to WDW! I already have the park hours for our October trip, have made out a basic itinerary based on those park hours, and know what meals I am going to book in just a few weeks when my window opens. lol It was positively agonizing waiting for the DL park hours only 60 days in advance. But it looks like despite all that, you have a great preliminary plan! I know for us, it was always just easiest to plan where we would be first and around the big events (shows, parades, fireworks, etc) that we wanted to see. With the ease of park hopping, it's really easy to let the day kind of take you along where it will.

As for the meals, you picked some great restaurants. I would definitely like to echo the thoughts of others I saw as I scrolled through the replies...The Plaza Inn! Since your list of dinner places is short, it would be a great addition. We have had the pasta and the fried chicken, and they are freaking delicous. The pot roast looks really good too, but I have never be able to tear myself away from the other two to try it. Never had lunch there, but the breakfast in a sourdough bread bowl at Pacific Wharf Cafe was delicious! And more for the entertainment than the food (which is ok but nothing spectacular) I would recommend the Golden Horseshoe when there is a show going on. We stumbled upon it, but it is listed on the times guide. DH and I were laughing so hard we were crying!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

So excited for you and your trip!!! You guys are going to have a blast. I have a couple tips for you based on my experiences.

1. Blue Bayou. Try a lunch reservation. If you don't mind eating a little early, make one for 11:30 when they open for lunch. Try to be there about 15-10 minutes early and politely ask for a water side table. So worth it. Some of the tables are so far from the POTC attraction its almost like your not even eating inside it.

2. You were talking about Goofy's for an arrival or departure meal? I would do Storyteller's breakfast over Goofy's. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere and I've been there twice and both times the character interaction has been insanely good. There are usually 5 woodland creatures there. Both times Chip and Dale were there (be aware though, the Chip seems to be the Debbie Downer Chip, both times he was strangely subdued and seemed a bit depressed, no other way to describe it). The two Brother Bears are usually there. Once we got Meeko and the other time we got Brer Fox and Bear. Meeko was super fun, and Dale stole Kenai's fake trout and was running around with it. Good times. I also think the food is better at Storyteller's. Delicious eggs benedict and smoked salmon for breakfast can't be beat.

3. Unless you really wanted to eat at a WOC package restaurant anyway, personally I'd skip that expense. Even with the meal, you are going to have to arrive just as early to try to get a front row spot for WOC. We've always followed Hydroguy's tip thread and we've been able to secure front row spots on our own. Then someone stays with the spot and the other goes and gets snacks and corn dogs. Its not a bad wait.

4. TRADER SAM'S IS THE BEST THING EVER CREATED. I don't think I need say more. Except try to have a mid day park break and visit then. You can take the monorail from Tomorrowland and it will drop you super close. The kids will be allowed inside the bar before 8 pm and it will be a lot less crowded.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Just got all caught up on your plans. I am so with you, planning for DL is soooooooo slow compared to WDW! I already have the park hours for our October trip, have made out a basic itinerary based on those park hours, and know what meals I am going to book in just a few weeks when my window opens. lol It was positively agonizing waiting for the DL park hours only 60 days in advance. But it looks like despite all that, you have a great preliminary plan! I know for us, it was always just easiest to plan where we would be first and around the big events (shows, parades, fireworks, etc) that we wanted to see. With the ease of park hopping, it's really easy to let the day kind of take you along where it will.

As for the meals, you picked some great restaurants. I would definitely like to echo the thoughts of others I saw as I scrolled through the replies...The Plaza Inn! Since your list of dinner places is short, it would be a great addition. We have had the pasta and the fried chicken, and they are freaking delicous. The pot roast looks really good too, but I have never be able to tear myself away from the other two to try it. Never had lunch there, but the breakfast in a sourdough bread bowl at Pacific Wharf Cafe was delicious! And more for the entertainment than the food (which is ok but nothing spectacular) I would recommend the Golden Horseshoe when there is a show going on. We stumbled upon it, but it is listed on the times guide. DH and I were laughing so hard we were crying!

It is funny how different the timeline for booking this is. I am pretty much ready and I still have like 4 months + to wait. Just makes me feel paranoid that I am missing out on something even know I know that isn't the case. For the most part what I did was plan around when we can get in early with the 3-day pass and then what day is likely to have the halloween party and then fit in Fantasmic! and WoC, and then the meals we most want. I think for rides especially we will just ensure we hit the ones we most want (or get fast passes) first thing and then know we can bounce back and forth as needed (which, in and of itself is new to us)

We have the Plaza Inn for breakfast one day for Minnie and Friends but I have seen a lot of positive things about the other meals (especially the Fried Chicken). I think that dinner Thursday evening is the most in flux - currently have Tortilla Jo's in mind as thinking doing something at DTD might be nice, but could definitely shift to something like The Plaza Inn for dinner or just do more counter service .... or go back to Trader Dams

Thanks for the other thoughts too! Golden Horseshoe might be something to check out for a quick bite, or even just for ice cream. Definitely like the idea of checking out something Walt enjoyed (and had his 30th anniversary at). How does the show work? Is it continuous and you just kinda come and go as you want or are their seatings? Couldn't figure that part out from online searches

So excited for you and your trip!!! You guys are going to have a blast. I have a couple tips for you based on my experiences.

1. Blue Bayou. Try a lunch reservation. If you don't mind eating a little early, make one for 11:30 when they open for lunch. Try to be there about 15-10 minutes early and politely ask for a water side table. So worth it. Some of the tables are so far from the POTC attraction its almost like your not even eating inside it.

2. You were talking about Goofy's for an arrival or departure meal? I would do Storyteller's breakfast over Goofy's. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere and I've been there twice and both times the character interaction has been insanely good. There are usually 5 woodland creatures there. Both times Chip and Dale were there (be aware though, the Chip seems to be the Debbie Downer Chip, both times he was strangely subdued and seemed a bit depressed, no other way to describe it). The two Brother Bears are usually there. Once we got Meeko and the other time we got Brer Fox and Bear. Meeko was super fun, and Dale stole Kenai's fake trout and was running around with it. Good times. I also think the food is better at Storyteller's. Delicious eggs benedict and smoked salmon for breakfast can't be beat.

3. Unless you really wanted to eat at a WOC package restaurant anyway, personally I'd skip that expense. Even with the meal, you are going to have to arrive just as early to try to get a front row spot for WOC. We've always followed Hydroguy's tip thread and we've been able to secure front row spots on our own. Then someone stays with the spot and the other goes and gets snacks and corn dogs. Its not a bad wait.

4. TRADER SAM'S IS THE BEST THING EVER CREATED. I don't think I need say more. Except try to have a mid day park break and visit then. You can take the monorail from Tomorrowland and it will drop you super close. The kids will be allowed inside the bar before 8 pm and it will be a lot less crowded.

Thanks for all your thoughts. For Blue Bayou definitely plan to get there early and ask for a waterside table. We were planning to do dinner and tie it into the Fantasmic! package, but if that isn't really worth it either maybe switch to lunch - though was thinking of doing Cafe Orleans for lunch one day

So with the latest plans, Goofy's is out and now planning to do the Minnie Breakfast one day. I have heard pretty good things about Storyteller's breakfast as well but not sure if we can fit that it. Potentially for our departure day, but thinking of doing the Steakhouse 55 breakfast that day. Though my wife would love the smoked salmon eggs benedict you mention!

We definitely want to eat at Carthay Circle anyway so figured we'd just do it as part of the package. Definitely been reading that thread but even with all that info still trying to fully grasp how the line works and the different reserved areas (for dining package vs. fast pass vs. just showing up). Like I said, we definitely want to do Carthay Circle anyway and even if it is only slightly better, anything to ensure a good view for WoC I'd like to do - but we shall see

 

[khertz]

Golden Horseshoe might be something to check out for a quick bite, or even just for ice cream. Definitely like the idea of checking out something Walt enjoyed (and had his 30th anniversary at). How does the show work? Is it continuous and you just kinda come and go as you want or are their seatings? Couldn't figure that part out from online searches

The show just happens at the times listed but since it is a quick service, people just come and go during it. Although most people that are there once the show starts will stay until it's over because it's so darn funny! We just happened to be having dinner one evening and a show started when we were about halfway done. We stayed until the end of the show and laughed the entire time! I had also run in that same day just for a glass of water when a show was happening and it didn't seem to be the same one we saw later at dinner so it's not always the same schtick.

 

[Marsheliz]

I have fell behind Phil!! ( we got back from our trip and then the whole girl\boy thing got me a little depressed and just haven't been on! Hoping I'm back!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The show just happens at the times listed but since it is a quick service, people just come and go during it. Although most people that are there once the show starts will stay until it's over because it's so darn funny! We just happened to be having dinner one evening and a show started when we were about halfway done. We stayed until the end of the show and laughed the entire time! I had also run in that same day just for a glass of water when a show was happening and it didn't seem to be the same one we saw later at dinner so it's not always the same schtick.

Thanks for the additional info Kristy! I definitely think we will check this out - at least for ice cream or a snack or something

I have fell behind Phil!! ( we got back from our trip and then the whole girl\boy thing got me a little depressed and just haven't been on! Hoping I'm back!

No Worries Marcie - I know a lot has been going on ... glad you are back though!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 6 - Stay Classy San Diego​

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and inputs. I think, at least for now until more info is about regarding park times and special events for the 60s anniversary we are mostly set with the plans. Only changes are that I will try to push the Steakhouse 55 breakfast to be our last day (so try to have a somewhat later flight) and I think the dinner Thursday evening is a bit up in the air. I thought doing something at DTD would be good as it was an early morning in the park for us, but might re-think that and do something like the Plaza Inn or Storytellers instead.

Now I want to shift to thinking about what is actually our first stop of the trip, where we will be staying from Saturday, October 10th to Tuesday, October 13th - San Diego!

As you can tell, most of what I know about San Diego I learned from Anchorman. And while I am sure it is useful to know that it was discovered by the Germans in 1904, and that they they named it San Diego, which of course in German means ‘a whale’s whoo-ha, that won't help much with selecting activities and where to eat/drink.

.... and speaking of eating and drinking (and who wasn't?) - my initial research has shown that options for both are plentiful, which is fine by me.

First though, we need a place to stay. Judi's friend gave us a few suggestions, pointing us toward the downtown area. I am hoping to stay at a Hilton as I have points there to use, and am leaning towards either the Hampton Inn San Diego - Downtown (Aoint A on the map below) or the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Diego Downtown (point B). Largely because they seem pretty good and I have enough points to fully cover three nights there. But definitely if people have other thoughts we are open to suggestions as we really don't know the area.




The plan is to get in on Saturday and after flying across the country with 3 little kids and dealing with the time adjustment, I am not planning on doing anything major the first day - probably just some place to eat, maybe walk along the waterfront, etc. - or perhaps see Judi's friend that day. We will then have 2 full days to do stuff before driving up to Disneyland on Tuesday, probably after breakfast.

The one main activity I think we want to do is to go to Sea World. I think the kids would like it and I haven't been to any Sea World in years. The other option would be the zoo. We could try to do both but might be a bit much. I am thinking of Sunday being mostly brunch, beach, and beer and then Monday as the main activity day but we shall see.

I haven't gotten too into dining options (so again, all thoughts welcome) but did look a bit for bunch places for Sunday and there seems to be a ton of options. Two stood out to me (and so we may need to do 1st brunch and 2nd brunch) and are:

Pacific Coast Grill:



I mean, the setting looks amazing and the first two items on the brunch menu totally caught my eye:
- Churro Waffles - cinnamon-sugar & pecan-maple butter (Alicia - was totally thinking of you and Dan when I saw this)
- Crème Brulee Brioche French Toast - w/ mixed berries, whipped butter & Maple syrup

It does seem like at least 1/2 hour drive north so might be a bit far for early Sunday

Snooze - an A.M. Eatery
lot's of good stuff here:
- Sandwich I Am: A soft pretzel roll filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and a sausage patty, served with a side of smoked cheddar hollandaise & house hash browns.
- Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes: Buttermilk pancakes with caramelized pineapple chunks, housemade vanilla crème anglaise and cinnamon butter
Plus they do pancake flights - how cool is that?

They do breakfast all the time, not just Sunday so could do this one on Monday or even Tuesday on our way out to Disneyland


One thing to know about me is that I am a bit of a beer, um, connoisseur (ok, fine, snob). And being that San Diego is one of the best areas for craft beer I definitely will want to hit up a few places.

Now, I would love to go to a bunch and stop by Alesmith, Alpine, Ballast Point, Greenflash, Lost Abbey, Rip Current, etc. - but am also trying to be mindful that this is a family trip. Given that, two places I do want to try to get (for both beer and food) are:

Tiger! Tiger!
It was recently selected as one of the top 33 best beer bars in America, has tons of great beers that change all the time, a really neat looking menu that includes things like Bahn Mi sandwichse and sausage poutine fries ... on, and brunch on Sunday where they make their own donuts (ok, so maybe we need to do 3 brunches)



Stone Brewing
Stone is one of the first real craft breweries I got into so it would be great to actually go to one of their locations. They both seem nice and I think they both have some sort of gardens area to check out as well. Tons of great beer on tap and another great sounding menu (Quail Knots, homemade hummus and kimchi, ribs) including a nice kids menu, including this warning to parental units:



So, that is about where we are at - just some initial thoughts, nothing set yet.

I am sure we will get more insights from Judi's friend and also will allocate some time just for hanging out together. Any ideas people have for what we should do (or should not do) will be very much appreciated!

TTFN

 

[Leshaface]

nd while I am sure it is useful to know that it was discovered by the Germans in 1904, and that they they named it San Diego, which of course in German means ‘a whale’s whoo-ha, that won't help much with selecting activities and where to eat/drink.

I'm of no help whatsoever for San Diego, sorry I can't give any input!

- Churro Waffles - cinnamon-sugar & pecan-maple butter (Alicia - was totally thinking of you and Dan when I saw this)

No freaking way.

Plus they do pancake flights - how cool is that?

I feel a need to get to San Diego stat! I've only been a few times but from the looks of it, i've got to go more.

Stone is one of the first real craft breweries I got into so it would be great to actually go to one of their locations.

Love Stone IPA. I think i've also tried one of their Bast*** brews before too. Good stuff

This is awesome!

So i'm with you on Sunday activities consisting of the 3 main B's: Brunch, Brews and Beaches I've been to Sea World as an adult only when DH and I lived in Long Beach and really enjoyed it. I do remember we were able to get free beer samples (Budweiser) but hey, free is free. Not sure if they do this anymore. I'm sure weather will be PERFECT in October, but I do remember there being not enough shaded coverings, like for the animal shows so the sun was directly on us. Sunscreen for sure.

 

[afwdwfan]

As you can tell, most of what I know about San Diego I learned from Anchorman.

I've been there and I'd still claim that same thing...

Hampton Inn San Diego - Downtown (Aoint A on the map below) or the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Diego Downtown (point B)

Depends... If you're planning to drive everywhere, then it doesn't matter. I stayed in the Seaport Village area for the conference I attended. We were walking distance of the USS Midway and then the Gaslamp District. I didn't like driving in San Diego just going from the car rental place to the hotel, so we left it in the garage and basically just did things within walking distance while we were there. Both of your hotels are pretty far north of anywhere we were though, so I'm not sure what would be the better option.

I mean, the setting looks amazing and the first two items on the brunch menu totally caught my eye:
- Churro Waffles - cinnamon-sugar & pecan-maple butter (Alicia - was totally thinking of you and Dan when I saw this)
- Crème Brulee Brioche French Toast - w/ mixed berries, whipped butter & Maple syrup

It does seem like at least 1/2 hour drive north so might be a bit far for early Sunday

That looks like a winner to me!! Too bad you can't hit it on your way north on Tuesday!

It was recently selected as one of the top 33 best beer bars in America, has tons of great beers that change all the time, a really neat looking menu that includes things like Bahn Mi sandwichse and sausage poutine fries ... on, and brunch on Sunday where they make their own donuts (ok, so maybe we need to do 3 brunches)

3 brunches??? Why not???

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I sadly have very little knowledge of San Diego other than it does seem like a really cool city. I'm thinking it won't be of much value to you given your limited time and the fact that you're already good (I think) for Disneyland tickets. Otherwise I would have suggested a So-Cal CityPass which includes 3 day Disney hopper and Seaworld. It also includes Universal Hollywood which I guess would be wasted, so again, probably not the best value.

I've never been to Sea World there, but I can still recommend it as a pretty relaxing day since most of the park is shows and exhibits.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'm of no help whatsoever for San Diego, sorry I can't give any input!

No freaking way.

I feel a need to get to San Diego stat! I've only been a few times but from the looks of it, i've got to go more.

Love Stone IPA. I think i've also tried one of their Bast*** brews before too. Good stuff

This is awesome!

So i'm with you on Sunday activities consisting of the 3 main B's: Brunch, Brews and Beaches I've been to Sea World as an adult only when DH and I lived in Long Beach and really enjoyed it. I do remember we were able to get free beer samples (Budweiser) but hey, free is free. Not sure if they do this anymore. I'm sure weather will be PERFECT in October, but I do remember there being not enough shaded coverings, like for the animal shows so the sun was directly on us. Sunscreen for sure.

First off, yes way to the Churro Waffle ... and based on brunch along (not to mention it being sea side) I am starting to question why we live in the cold northeast

Stone IPA are one of the few west coast IPA's I like as they tend to be more balanced. Their "Enjoy by" series is really good

Thanks for the tip about the sun being on you for the animal shows - I tend to go from White to Off White to Lobster Red so have to go heavy on the sunscreen

I've been there and I'd still claim that same thing...

Depends... If you're planning to drive everywhere, then it doesn't matter. I stayed in the Seaport Village area for the conference I attended. We were walking distance of the USS Midway and then the Gaslamp District. I didn't like driving in San Diego just going from the car rental place to the hotel, so we left it in the garage and basically just did things within walking distance while we were there. Both of your hotels are pretty far north of anywhere we were though, so I'm not sure what would be the better option.

That looks like a winner to me!! Too bad you can't hit it on your way north on Tuesday!

3 brunches??? Why not???

I think we will look into the hotels a bit more - I know there is one hilton in the Gaslamp area that looks really nice but is more points. We'll see - probably talk to Judi's friend some more as well

It's funny that I generally don't eat breakfast but I love brunch - so 3+ brunches sounds great to me

I sadly have very little knowledge of San Diego other than it does seem like a really cool city. I'm thinking it won't be of much value to you given your limited time and the fact that you're already good (I think) for Disneyland tickets. Otherwise I would have suggested a So-Cal CityPass which includes 3 day Disney hopper and Seaworld. It also includes Universal Hollywood which I guess would be wasted, so again, probably not the best value.

I've never been to Sea World there, but I can still recommend it as a pretty relaxing day since most of the park is shows and exhibits.

I looked into the So-Cal CityPass but seemed like it wasn't really worth it if you weren't going to also do Universal and we just don't have the time.

You are forgetting one other thing which I am very much looking forward to at Sea World: MANTA!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

You are forgetting one other thing which I am very much looking forward to at Sea World: MANTA!!!

Oh trust me I saw that!!!! It doesn't look like its the same sadly (i.e. not laying horizontal) but I bet it's still great!

 

[luulu1999]

I'm filing this away if we ever make it out there. We were talking next summer (2016) but I don't know if that will actually happen. It is downright expensive to get there from the East coast.


That's how I felt when I was trying to figure out DL and started pricing it out.

I will tell ya, there are TONS of hotel/motel options we stayed at Park Vue Inn with free breakfast, free parking and wifi and it was right across the street from the entrance HoJo is a little bit further of a walk and they have a 2 room suite with 3 queens for 220 but also have 2 queens and bunk beds for 150

 

[schmass]

I have never been to San Diego, but I hear it's wonderful.

I don't think you can go wrong with either of those breakfast places. I have been to Snooze (in Denver!) and it was great.

Do you do any homebrewing? Michael is a craft beer snob as well, and has gotten into homebrewing over the last 5 years or so. After some really terrible first brews, he's pretty good at it now!