Surprise Trip to DL

[Disney-Fanatic]

So I'm planning a surprise trip for my wife to Disneyland for her birthday this January 2006. I had to make up another user name so that she would not catch on but I'm a advide member of the DIS forums and have been to WDW many time and to DL and on a DCL cruise once. Ihave not been to DL since the earl 90's so I know a lot has changed. Right now I trying to find our best options as the trip will be short (3 full days and the two travel days for flying) and I was wondering about a few things.

I want to stay at either the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian but really can't decide which one. We both love disney so much and we always want to stay int he heart of the magic when we visit WDW. Also which is the best airport to fly into. When I was younger we flew into LAX but stayed in Long Beach. We would use a shuttle service to DL and is there information on that. Also I have been ryinh to find some internet sites about Dl but there does not seem to be many.

Well thats all for now and thank you in advance for all your help.

 

[noryglory]

This sounds awesome!!!!

Would it not be hysterical if your wife does these posts too and replies to your message without knowing it's you and her surprise?!?

Good luck with keeping it a secret, my husband hates surprises but I would love it if he surprised me like this sometime!! He helped plan with my friends a surprise birthday party for my 30th and it stands out as one of the greatest memories ever.

It costs more but for convenience go Santa Ana (Orange County) airport, it's just a quick shuttle ride to the resort. LAX is so much further away with traffic it could take you forever, but it will be cheaper. Guess it depends on your budget but for time constraints just get there already and get going with the vacation, is what I say!

From all that I've read about the hotels I am thinking Grand Californian for you, it sounds like you will be sans kids and looking for Disney fun and/but it will be a special occasion so why not stay at the nicest and newest place?

 

[Disney-Fanatic]

Thank you. we don't have any kids and actually we just got married a month ago and did a Honeymoon to WDW and a disney cruise. I don't think she will find this as she always reads the WDW threads and I don't think she would ever look at the DL thread. I was think the GC but I just love the extensive Disney theming at DLH. I will check into the Orange County Airport as we will be flying out of the western new york state area.

 

[Tink33]

I suggest the Grand Californian for a surprise trip. You will be right in the heart of the magic there.

I second flying into SNA (John Wayne) if the cost is not too much more.

I love surprises so please come back so we can help you plan.

 

[stich626]

Your wife is a very lucky woman. I wish my hsuband would plan a surprise trip to anywhere. I know that will never happen, I plan everything. lol
Good Luck with everything. She is gonna love you even more.

 

[noryglory]

I haven't been yet, and have just researched, researched, researched my heart out, but I don't think people think that the DLH is "extensively" themed, just "sorta" themed. Although from what I've seen and read here, the GCH isn't Disney-themed at all, it's more "Redwoods California lodge" themed. There are lots of good pictures and links to pictures of both hotels in the stickies here at the top of the Disneyland boards.

We're going to stay at DLH in November, only because we're bringing our 5yo son and think that the theming that IS there will be more enjoyable to him. We're going to check out the GC when we are there, and probably stay there next time if it looks good in person. From the photos, it seems a bit "boring" but I'm thinking about it as a family with kids and going by what the majority of families stated on these boards. As a couple, you would probably enjoy the GC (and if you get the DCA view it will probably be great, esp at night)...I agree with Tink, you'll be in the heart of Disney no matter what with it surrounding you.

Definitely keep us posted with other questions while you plan!

 

[denyd]

Nice idea - I'd plan the same for my wife but we live 30 mins from DL

I'd stay at the Grand Californian and plan a special dinner at the Napa Rose.

One idea on how to surprise her would be to tell her it's a convention in San Diego so she can pack for the appropriate weather. This works better if your plane flight connects before landing at Orange County.

 

[renomom]

Just the two of you? Stay at the Grand Californian. This is where we like to stay when we go as a family, because it feels like an "adult" vacation, as well! Have a drink in the lounge, get comfy by the fireplace, dine at Napa Rose, go the spa - very romantic! The bedding is higher quality and comfort, robes in the rooms, nice soaps/toiletries, etc. We have stayed at Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier when it was first bought by Disney in 1996 and called Disney Pacific Hotel, and in my opinion these hotels are more kid-oriented. Believe me, kids are welcome at Grand Californian, as well! But if it were just my husband and I, no question, it would be GC.

Have fun!

 

[renomom]

I just reread some replies, and I must agree, the theming at DLH is not much. In my opinion, the hotels of WDW are more "themed" with the exception of GC. Remember that everything in Disneyland is within walking distance. You can walk over to DLH or PP for a meal or just to stroll around. I agree about going to Napa Rose. We have not been to Hook's Pointe, but we loved Napa Rose and had an incredibly knowledgable and helpful server. Here's our family tip: When you're done with the parks and want to hit the pool or hot tub, go back to your room, put on your swimsuits, and go back out to CA and ride Grizzly River Run. Then you won't mind being wet on GRR since you're about to jump in the pool, anyway! The pool area and GRR are right near the exclusive GC entrance to CA.

Have a great time!

 

[Glynis]

We've been several times over the last few years and have flown into LAX, John Wayne, and Ontario. Of all of those, we liked John Wayne the best. It's uncrowded, easy to get through, and a little closer to DL.

Can't help you much on the hotel. We've never stayed on property. It's a dream of mine, but DH doesn't share it. Do you think maybe you could let my DH know that I'd LOVE to be surprised with a trip to DL to stay onsite? He's a pretty good guy, but he just doesn't share my love of all things Disney. Go figure.

 

[Disney-Fanatic]

Thank you everyone. So far I have looked into the John Wayne Airport and the extra cost is not that much but it just means a connection where as LAX is direct. I really do like the shorter ride tot he resort as we would not be renting a car because we would not be leaving Dl that much and if we did I would just get a car for the day.

As for the resort I can see that most have said the GC is the place. I can say that we do love the WL at WDW and have just stayed there recently so we do love the rustic architecture and feel. So I take it though that it is very easy to walk between resorts as I think my wife would like to visit the DLH for a meal or two. I am noe also thinking of staying coincerge and the park veiw is very tempting. This trip is just escalating in cost everyday but we are only going to go for 4 nights.

Another thing I have come across is that the flight will not be arriving tilll late at night as we can ot leave till the late afternoon. They do have the $150.00 gift card deal when you book 4 night but do you think any better deals will come out like te 3 and 1 free which would be the cheaper of the two. Or since we could be getting in so late is it better to stay by the airport that night and then check in the next day. Well I have so thinking to do but all your advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Disney-Fanatic]

So does anyone think any deals will come out for January at all. Still trying to finalize the plans. Oh and is it that ADR's can be made 30 days out? Thanks everyone

 

[stampinshauna]

If you book with Walt Disney Travel Co and better deals come out, they are very good to honor them. All you have to do is call them and tell them you want that deal applied to your package.

 

[Vanvmom]

I'd avoid the overnight at the airport the first night. John Wayne airport is only about 20 minutes drive from DL. The hotel cost by the airport is likely to still be pretty steep (although not as steep as grand californian) as the airport is right next to a busy business park area. Plus, it is great to just wake up and walk into the park without having to pack up your bags and transfer hotels.

Also, the Downtown Disney views from the Grand Californian are still nice views (as are the pool views). The resort view is great at night, but we stay in the park until it closes each day, so by the time we are back in the room...we don't really want to sit by the window and enjoy the view (it's time for bed).