Tips and Observations from a late July trip

[Chrisfilm]

Been back for a couple of weeks now, but wanted to jot down some tips/observations from my recent trip. First of all, huge thanks to my parents for bringing the whole family together for this great trip! Everyone will remember this forever. Now, on to the trip:

• Grand Californian - the location can't be beat. Being able to get back to the hotel quickly for a nap, and to be able to leave my room at 9:55 and make it into California Adventure for one last ride was great! However, I was a bit surprised at the - how do I say this - less than impressive state of the resort. We had room temp problems, the pool was just okay, the rooms weren't as big as I expected. It was a nice resort, but not 'blow-you-away-luxurious'.
• If you are making your first ever trip with kids, GO AT THEIR PACE. I had a lot of trouble with this because I have such a defined idea of what a trip to Disneyland is. I'd find myself trying to move on when my 3 year old was doing stuff I felt he could do at home. But thinking back, some of my best memories so far are of when he was having a great time doing simple things.
• Again, if it's your first trip with kids, beware of the shops. Usually my 3 year old is very modest on his "need" for toys, but I guess there was just too much for his little mind to handle and he all of a sudden "needed" everything. Yikes!
• Big Thunder BBQ Ranch might be my new favorite overall restaurant. I never thought Blue Bayou could be beat, but the food and the atmosphere (while completely different) were amazing. Probably didn't hurt that the musician ad-libbed a song for my 9 month old!
• I was a bit surprised there were so few Photopass photographers in DLR. Outside of the hub, I don't know if I saw any. There were a TON in DCA, which was nice.
• Cars Land and RSR was even nicer than I expected. In fact, I wasn't sure if I would bother with RSR with such long lines, but we went late at night and I am really glad I didn't miss it. What an amazing ride.
• It's a Small World is now one of my favorite rides. Love the additions and loved my kids' reactions. They adored it.
• Dare I say it? I like the old Star Tours better.
• It's amazing how much less crowded the parks are in the morning and late afternoon/evenings. Take advantage.

I'll add more as I think of them.

 

[momof4fans]

I totally agree that there are more photographers in DCA than DL. I did get pics in front of Splash Mt. and in Pixie Hollow in addition to the Hub.

I'm glad to hear about Big Thunder Mt. BBQ. That would be a great option for the big eaters in my family. I'm planning on eating there for our summer 2015 trip.

We loved the parks at night as well. The temp's are cooler, the crowds thin out. I brought a blanket to put over my littles in the stroller and they slept a lot. It worked out pretty good.

Glad you had a great trip!

 

[greewe]

I think the highlight of the trip was the baby's reaction to the singer at Big Thunder Ranch!!