We were in San Diego the same day of the earthquake, after spending 3 days at DLR. Where were you? We were leaving Seaport Village so we were in the car, waiting for the green light infront of a hotel, I believe it was the Embassy, I can't recall very well, but we were still close to the Seaport Village. Then we went to the Maritime Museum and felt the next one.
We were at our hotel and (fortunately) outside at the pool at the time. Rest of the family was swimming, I was lounging. I really think I would have completely freaked out if I was inside...especially if I was in a high rise hotel.
Can you tell us a little more about your trip? How long did you go? Where did you stay in San Diego and at DL? How long did you spend in the parks and how long in San Diego? What were the highlights of the San Diego area? We are also planning a trip to So. Cal in July and we are trying to figure out what we should do. THinking 4 nights at DLR and 5 at Hotel Del Coronado or Torrey Pines? I would love to hear about your favorites spots.
We started out in DLR, then went to San Diego, but unfortunately had to drive back to LAX to fly home, which is how we ended up on the 405 right around lunch time. The traffic was moving really fast on the 5 also, but to me the 405 just felt more dangerous and people were FLYING past me....in my Hyundai rental which shook if we went above 70.
We arrived on a Monday early afternoon and spent most of Monday - Thursday in the parks. Quick 1/2 day up to Hollywood, some time at the pool, but mostly in the parks. Because of the time difference, we were up really early most mornings and there for rope drop...but the bad part about that was that we were pooped before 8:00. We managed to get to the Electircal Parade at DCA (fabulous) 1 time, and saw the DLR fireworks 1 time. Unfortunately the fireworks were on our last night, and I was disappointed that we weren't going to be able to see them again. (A little perspective - when in WDW, we are at Wishes/Fantasmic/Illuminations etc. probably 6 out of the 7 nights we spend there).
I had originally planned to do San Diego first, then finish up in DLR, but decided to reverse it because I really wanted to be in the parks Mon-Fri rather than the weekend. It was a good call, because Friday (Good Friday) we went to DLR in the morning to do a few final rides and it was much more crowded than earlier in the week. Crowds were very manageable though, (using fastpass) and we did everything that we wanted to do.
Stayed at HoJo which was good...a little noisy since the 5 freeway is in their backyard, but it was clean, close, and staff was nice. And we were tired at the end of the day, so the noise really didn't keep us up. Plus they had a Keurig coffee maker and "to go" cups n the room.
We ate a lot of our meals offsite - stopping at Mimi's, McDonalds or IHop for breakfast on the way to the parks, lunch at a Counter Service place, then hit Downtown Disney or Garden Walk for dinner on our way out. Goofy's kitchen was a big disappointment - both food and service - so much so that we canceled our breakfast reservations for Mickey's breakfast at PCH and opted to spend that time in the parks instead.
It's funny that you mentioned Hotel Del Coronado...we actually stayed in Coronado instead of downtown San Diego! It was beautiful..really nice downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants, and the Del is absolutely stunning. If for some reason you can't stay there, the Glorietta Bay Resort is right across the street from the Del, so the beach is still nice and close - perfect for July.
We were in Coronado Friday - Tuesday, and used points to stay at the Marriott on the bay side of the island. It was really nice - pretty grounds, nice pool area, restaurant was good, and you could walk over to the "ferry landing" which had a few restaurants and shops. You would have to drive over to the ocean beach side though, which was a non-issue for us in March with the cooler weather, but I could see it being crowded and difficult to park in July. Definitely better off at the Del or Glorietta if you will be spending a lot of time on the beach.
We skipped San Diego Zoo and opted for the Wild Animal Park instead and loved it. It was about a 45 minute ride from Coronado. We really just didn't have the time or energy to do both while we were there. We also did the Hornblower Brunch cruise which I highly recommend. It was a nice ride around the bay, food was good, unlimited champagne - what's note to love?? Hint if you go - board as early as you can! The buffet is already open, so you can eat while everyone else is boarding, then head upstairs and relax while everyone else is eating.
Overall, like I said, it is a beautiful place, we had a fabulous trip, and I can't wait to return. Not sure when - we may have to squeeze in a WDW trip first. The funny thing is that we went when schools were closed here for spring break, and the airfare was SUBSTANTIALLY cheaper non-stop, round trip NY to LAX than it would have been to get to Florida...like 1/2 the price. So I'm thinking that SoCal may become our new school break destination.
Our 1st trip to DL and San Diego is this July. We are staying in Coronado at Glorietta Bay. I looked at the Hotel Del but it is pricey and they charge a resort fee and a parking fee! Glorietta Bay looks really nice, we get a continental breakfast and we got a great rate!! Any tips on Coronado-- great restaurants? That is interesting about the flights being cheaper to LAX than Orlando over spring break. I will have to check them from Philly next year.
That's hilarious!
