tiffjoy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2010
- Messages
- 1,126
We went on a quick weekend trip down to Disneyland this past weekend, and I thought I'd post a few items for those planning upcoming trips. We purchased Deluxe APs, so this year we will have quite a few weekend trips once the summer blackout dates are over.
Hotel - Sheraton Anaheim
This was a last minute trip, so I had very few hotel options. I selected the Sheraton since it has its own shuttle but isn't too far away. I also got a good rate on Orbitz for it and used ebates for some money back (highly recommend). The hotel itself was really quite nice. I was pleasantly surprised. The checkin line at midnight on a Friday was very long, but the staff was very polite and moved quickly. Our room was a standard room on the second floor which involved multiple steps that were difficult to avoid. Interesting with a stroller but we made it work. The room was very large and clean, and the beds were very comfortable. Our room looked over a pretty courtyard area.
The shuttle was a bit challenging. There were a lot of people in line both mornings, and we got bumped to the second shuttle each time, which involved more waiting. The shuttles also weren't on time either leaving or going to the parks. The drivers were pleasant, however, and we did eventually get there. It was a bit of a bother, however, and would prevent us from staying anywhere not walking distance in the future unless, like this time, we don't have much selection.
California Adventure
The park opened at 8am, and we arrived just before 9am since we were tired from getting in late the night before. While my family got a little snack at Fiddler, Fifer and Practical, I went to get a pager to meet Olaf. I was told 45 minutes, so I grabbed FPs for the Anna and Elsa singalong and went back to pick up my family. The FP was for the 10:00 show, which concerned me as that was about the time we should be meeting Olaf if it really did take 45 minutes, but I figured we could skip the singalong and just grab the next FP then. By the time I walked back with my family and we went inside the Arendelle area, our pager buzzed and we got right in line. It was 9:30. within 10 minutes, we were meeting Olaf. My girls loved it! He was really cute and interactive.
The whole area is really pretty. They did a nice job with decorating it. The "snow play" area was really more ice than snow, and the girls weren't interested in that. I loved the pager system for meeting Olaf as we didn't do a lot of standing and waiting around in a line.
We then headed over to the singalong, which was cute, but a little meh. The girls liked it, but they also didn't ask to do it again, which is always a sure sign of if they really love something. My DH said that Hans was really bad at conveying his interest in the whole thing (not exactly what he said, but trying to preserve the magic here
). We did like the snow at the end.
After heading to the restroom, we played around a bit, then the girls wanted a snack. There were some yummy new treats in the Arendelle area, so we went to go back in there, but it was at capacity and had a 60 minute wait already, just to go inside! The nice CM asked if we were meeting Olaf, and when we said no, we just wanted a snack, he let us go in anyway. The girls chose the make you own Olaf cookies (very similar to the snowmen they offer at Big Thunder Ranch at Christmastime) and they really enjoyed that. The cookies were very tasty, what teeny tiny bits they let mama try! My DH and I shared the corndog bites, which the CM who let us in made us promise to try as he said they would "change your life." They were yummy! But a little pricey for the amount you get (only four). My DH took the opportunity while the girls decorated their cookies to run and grab RSR FPs. Return time was 6:45.
We spent over an hour in the Bugs Land water play areas. It was mid 90s, I think, and so very warm. I had brought the girls' swimsuits and they had on crocs, so they were definitely prepared. I saw a lot of kids in wet sneakers since they don't let you go barefoot. Just as a note to mamas out there who also cringe at this idea, bring some water shoes with you even if you don't bring extra clothes.
Lunch - Lucky Fortune Cookery
With Paradise Garden Grill being burgers at the moment, we went to Lucky Fortune Cookery for lunch. We got two orders of orange chicken to split between the four of us. It's been a long time since we have eaten there, and we all really enjoyed it. It was a touch spicy for my kids, but they focused on the veggies, which were somehow less spicy than the chicken, and they were fine wth that. It had a really nice flavor, and the chicken wasn't fatty at all. I would definitely go back. Good value, too, in comparison to others.
We split up to do some different rides for each kids' particular interests (also known as ride Ariel four times in a row for my three year old ) then joined back up to go to Redwood Creek Challenge, which we have never done. My five year old loved it! My three year old didn't do the challenge, but she did enjoy running around and playing. I climbed the net structure several times. Sturdy shoes really are a must for adults trying to help their littles through this one!
The Animation Academy is only doing Olaf and Marshmallow now. My five year old was disappointed as she loves drawing and typically we do four or five characters. I wish they did the people, too, or even Sven. But we still had fun. I'm not terribly thrilled with the Frozen invasion in the Animation Academy. We really liked the Toy Story zeotrope or whatever, and that's all gone now. I hope the princesses are relocated in May and that all comes back in.
We saw Aladdin. The carpet wasn't flying. I wish they would decide already on that one- I never know what to tell my girls, but they loved it anyway, as usual. It's my DH's favorite show; he loves the Genie.
After that, it was time for a snack (chimichanga) and meeting Anna and Elsa. We did Fp for this at WDW in January, and I thought this method was even better as the FP isn't tied to the park system, so you can hold one for the M&G and it doesn't stop going on other rides. I also love that you get your picture with the sisters together rather than separately.
More rides for my five year old and a nap for my three year old. RSR FPs were ready, and I went on that with her. I love it at night! this was our first time at night. I prefer it to the day, although it's a fun ride either way. If you have a kid and want the ride photo, ask for the front seat. My DH then got in line, using our child swap ticket, after we were done. But the ride went down. I advised him to stay in line a few more minutes, but he got out after 10. It was back up by the time they got back to me, just outside the entrance. Oh well! Even though they aren't supposed to, the CM gave my DH his child swap ticket back. I had woken up our three year old, so we went to dinner at Flo's.
Dinner- Flo's
I was reluctant to go here as we loved the platters so much, and the change to sandwiches bummed us all out. But no where else was appealing, and it was right there, and we were going to go back to RSR afterwards, so... My DH and I both got the hot roast beef, although I got mine without the cheese. It lists the side, but you can switch it out for a different one. Only one side, now, though the portion does seem larger maybe?? The girls both got mac and cheese and were so-so on it. It's my least favorite option for them, and I don't let them get it often. They used to share the platters with us but weren't interested in the sandwiches when we showed them. My three year old ended up helping me with my sandwich. Think I'll just share with her next time because I couldn't have finished it myself, anyway. It ended up being ok, but I miss the platters.
I did RSR again with my DD5 while DH and DD3 did Ariel. Twice. Again. Lol. The girls decided they wanted to go to DL then, and we headed out.
Annual Pass switch
We had bought three day PHs with the intent to change them to deluxe APs because Saturday was a block out day. Thanks to a recent post, I found out too late that you can still get in that first day with an AP even if it is a blackout day. We wasted sooo much time changing them! In hindsight, my DH should have taken us into the park and then gone back out and handled the passes. It took at least 90 minutes. We watched the fireworks from the esplanade.
Disneyland
Once we made it in, we met Minnie in the front of the park. After recently being at WDW, it's such a stark contrast to experience the characters like this. I told my DH that it really feels like you are visiting them at their home, and they are there to welcome you. It feels more magical, more organic, and more real this way than constantly waiting in lines and having FPs. I hope DLR never changes this. We waved at the many others standing around, but the girls didn't want to wait to meet anyone else.
We went straight back to the carousel while DH picked up the YAH mug for me at the Starbucks place whatever it is called in DL now. They had quite a few of the mugs available- maybe the supply issues have been worked out?
The lines were very long for everything, but there is a lot closed in DLR right now, so I was expecting that. We would have enjoyed our carousel ride except for two groups of rowdy teens all around us who spent it screaming, yelling, and singing loudly. My five year old was bothered quite a bit by it, and I could tell it made her uncomfortable. I love that local teens enjoy hanging out at DLR. I wish, though, that they would respect that at it's core, this is a family friendly environment. Several inappropriate remarks, including swearing, were being tossed loudly around, and although the New Yorker in me wanted to say something quite rude, the mama in me who tries to set a good example instead smiled and tried to refocus my kids attention.
We went next to Small World, but my older DD was running out of steam, and after an oddly long wait at 10:30 pm, she passed out on the ride.
And that was the majority of it! We went in on Sunday morning for a few hours, but the only thing worth noting is the Frozen show at the Fantasy Faire theater. We got FPs for the 12:15 show at 9:30. We all loved the show. It was cute and very funny. I really enjoy all the shows they put on in this theater. I'm still hoping they will alternate this Frozen one with another new one. Snow White? Little Mermaid?
Overall, a great time. We are looking forward to our weeklong trip in August and several weekend trips after that. I think the only thing that stopped my older daughter's crying when we left was reminding her we are going to be in Tokyo for DisneySea in three weeks. My younger daughter spent half the ride home telling us that she "wasn't finished yet!" If anyone has any tips for a weekend trip or questions for planning, I'd love to see either!
Hotel - Sheraton Anaheim
This was a last minute trip, so I had very few hotel options. I selected the Sheraton since it has its own shuttle but isn't too far away. I also got a good rate on Orbitz for it and used ebates for some money back (highly recommend). The hotel itself was really quite nice. I was pleasantly surprised. The checkin line at midnight on a Friday was very long, but the staff was very polite and moved quickly. Our room was a standard room on the second floor which involved multiple steps that were difficult to avoid. Interesting with a stroller but we made it work. The room was very large and clean, and the beds were very comfortable. Our room looked over a pretty courtyard area.
The shuttle was a bit challenging. There were a lot of people in line both mornings, and we got bumped to the second shuttle each time, which involved more waiting. The shuttles also weren't on time either leaving or going to the parks. The drivers were pleasant, however, and we did eventually get there. It was a bit of a bother, however, and would prevent us from staying anywhere not walking distance in the future unless, like this time, we don't have much selection.
California Adventure
The park opened at 8am, and we arrived just before 9am since we were tired from getting in late the night before. While my family got a little snack at Fiddler, Fifer and Practical, I went to get a pager to meet Olaf. I was told 45 minutes, so I grabbed FPs for the Anna and Elsa singalong and went back to pick up my family. The FP was for the 10:00 show, which concerned me as that was about the time we should be meeting Olaf if it really did take 45 minutes, but I figured we could skip the singalong and just grab the next FP then. By the time I walked back with my family and we went inside the Arendelle area, our pager buzzed and we got right in line. It was 9:30. within 10 minutes, we were meeting Olaf. My girls loved it! He was really cute and interactive.
The whole area is really pretty. They did a nice job with decorating it. The "snow play" area was really more ice than snow, and the girls weren't interested in that. I loved the pager system for meeting Olaf as we didn't do a lot of standing and waiting around in a line.
We then headed over to the singalong, which was cute, but a little meh. The girls liked it, but they also didn't ask to do it again, which is always a sure sign of if they really love something. My DH said that Hans was really bad at conveying his interest in the whole thing (not exactly what he said, but trying to preserve the magic here
). We did like the snow at the end.After heading to the restroom, we played around a bit, then the girls wanted a snack. There were some yummy new treats in the Arendelle area, so we went to go back in there, but it was at capacity and had a 60 minute wait already, just to go inside! The nice CM asked if we were meeting Olaf, and when we said no, we just wanted a snack, he let us go in anyway. The girls chose the make you own Olaf cookies (very similar to the snowmen they offer at Big Thunder Ranch at Christmastime) and they really enjoyed that. The cookies were very tasty, what teeny tiny bits they let mama try! My DH and I shared the corndog bites, which the CM who let us in made us promise to try as he said they would "change your life." They were yummy! But a little pricey for the amount you get (only four). My DH took the opportunity while the girls decorated their cookies to run and grab RSR FPs. Return time was 6:45.
We spent over an hour in the Bugs Land water play areas. It was mid 90s, I think, and so very warm. I had brought the girls' swimsuits and they had on crocs, so they were definitely prepared. I saw a lot of kids in wet sneakers since they don't let you go barefoot. Just as a note to mamas out there who also cringe at this idea, bring some water shoes with you even if you don't bring extra clothes.
Lunch - Lucky Fortune Cookery
With Paradise Garden Grill being burgers at the moment, we went to Lucky Fortune Cookery for lunch. We got two orders of orange chicken to split between the four of us. It's been a long time since we have eaten there, and we all really enjoyed it. It was a touch spicy for my kids, but they focused on the veggies, which were somehow less spicy than the chicken, and they were fine wth that. It had a really nice flavor, and the chicken wasn't fatty at all. I would definitely go back. Good value, too, in comparison to others.
We split up to do some different rides for each kids' particular interests (also known as ride Ariel four times in a row for my three year old
) then joined back up to go to Redwood Creek Challenge, which we have never done. My five year old loved it! My three year old didn't do the challenge, but she did enjoy running around and playing. I climbed the net structure several times. Sturdy shoes really are a must for adults trying to help their littles through this one!The Animation Academy is only doing Olaf and Marshmallow now. My five year old was disappointed as she loves drawing and typically we do four or five characters. I wish they did the people, too, or even Sven. But we still had fun. I'm not terribly thrilled with the Frozen invasion in the Animation Academy. We really liked the Toy Story zeotrope or whatever, and that's all gone now. I hope the princesses are relocated in May and that all comes back in.
We saw Aladdin. The carpet wasn't flying. I wish they would decide already on that one- I never know what to tell my girls, but they loved it anyway, as usual. It's my DH's favorite show; he loves the Genie.
After that, it was time for a snack (chimichanga) and meeting Anna and Elsa. We did Fp for this at WDW in January, and I thought this method was even better as the FP isn't tied to the park system, so you can hold one for the M&G and it doesn't stop going on other rides. I also love that you get your picture with the sisters together rather than separately.
More rides for my five year old and a nap for my three year old. RSR FPs were ready, and I went on that with her. I love it at night! this was our first time at night. I prefer it to the day, although it's a fun ride either way. If you have a kid and want the ride photo, ask for the front seat. My DH then got in line, using our child swap ticket, after we were done. But the ride went down. I advised him to stay in line a few more minutes, but he got out after 10. It was back up by the time they got back to me, just outside the entrance. Oh well! Even though they aren't supposed to, the CM gave my DH his child swap ticket back. I had woken up our three year old, so we went to dinner at Flo's.
Dinner- Flo's
I was reluctant to go here as we loved the platters so much, and the change to sandwiches bummed us all out. But no where else was appealing, and it was right there, and we were going to go back to RSR afterwards, so... My DH and I both got the hot roast beef, although I got mine without the cheese. It lists the side, but you can switch it out for a different one. Only one side, now, though the portion does seem larger maybe?? The girls both got mac and cheese and were so-so on it. It's my least favorite option for them, and I don't let them get it often. They used to share the platters with us but weren't interested in the sandwiches when we showed them. My three year old ended up helping me with my sandwich. Think I'll just share with her next time because I couldn't have finished it myself, anyway. It ended up being ok, but I miss the platters.
I did RSR again with my DD5 while DH and DD3 did Ariel. Twice. Again. Lol. The girls decided they wanted to go to DL then, and we headed out.
Annual Pass switch
We had bought three day PHs with the intent to change them to deluxe APs because Saturday was a block out day. Thanks to a recent post, I found out too late that you can still get in that first day with an AP even if it is a blackout day. We wasted sooo much time changing them! In hindsight, my DH should have taken us into the park and then gone back out and handled the passes. It took at least 90 minutes. We watched the fireworks from the esplanade.
Disneyland
Once we made it in, we met Minnie in the front of the park. After recently being at WDW, it's such a stark contrast to experience the characters like this. I told my DH that it really feels like you are visiting them at their home, and they are there to welcome you. It feels more magical, more organic, and more real this way than constantly waiting in lines and having FPs. I hope DLR never changes this. We waved at the many others standing around, but the girls didn't want to wait to meet anyone else.
We went straight back to the carousel while DH picked up the YAH mug for me at the Starbucks place whatever it is called in DL now.
They had quite a few of the mugs available- maybe the supply issues have been worked out? The lines were very long for everything, but there is a lot closed in DLR right now, so I was expecting that. We would have enjoyed our carousel ride except for two groups of rowdy teens all around us who spent it screaming, yelling, and singing loudly. My five year old was bothered quite a bit by it, and I could tell it made her uncomfortable. I love that local teens enjoy hanging out at DLR. I wish, though, that they would respect that at it's core, this is a family friendly environment. Several inappropriate remarks, including swearing, were being tossed loudly around, and although the New Yorker in me wanted to say something quite rude, the mama in me who tries to set a good example instead smiled and tried to refocus my kids attention.
We went next to Small World, but my older DD was running out of steam, and after an oddly long wait at 10:30 pm, she passed out on the ride.
And that was the majority of it! We went in on Sunday morning for a few hours, but the only thing worth noting is the Frozen show at the Fantasy Faire theater. We got FPs for the 12:15 show at 9:30. We all loved the show. It was cute and very funny. I really enjoy all the shows they put on in this theater. I'm still hoping they will alternate this Frozen one with another new one. Snow White? Little Mermaid?
Overall, a great time. We are looking forward to our weeklong trip in August and several weekend trips after that. I think the only thing that stopped my older daughter's crying when we left was reminding her we are going to be in Tokyo for DisneySea in three weeks. My younger daughter spent half the ride home telling us that she "wasn't finished yet!" If anyone has any tips for a weekend trip or questions for planning, I'd love to see either!
).
