Trip of a Lifetime - Disneyland

[PrincessTrisha]

I am planning a trip for my Dad's 60th birthday this fall - it's going to be extra special because my mom had a stroke (a minor one) not too long ago but she is getting much better and will be able to travel by Novemeber. Our travel dates are November 15th to November 30th.

We are taking the train from Buffalo to Chicago and then from Chicago to LA. My Dad is a train enthusiast and this is the part he is really looking forward to. I understand that there is a Hertz counter at the Amtrak station in LA (or maybe Aneheim as well). Any opinions on which station it is better to arrive at? Are there any other car rental agencies in the area?

We'll arrive Monday morning (17th) and I am planning on Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday night at the Best Western PPI. I am hopping to move over to the Disneyland hotel for Thursday and Friday nights (Friday is my Dad's actual birthday). Any opinions on the split stay?

We'll spend Monday and Tuesday in the parks - Wednesday will be a day of rest for Mom and I but my Dad will drive down to San Diego for a snorkeling tour (1/2 day) and then maybe a special dinner outside of the parks that night (not too fancy, should serve steak) Any suggestions.

Thursday is our moving day but we may venture into the parks for a few rides or shows. Friday will be in the parks because I am hopping there is some of the Holiday stuff happening and it may be our only chance for fireworks.

Saturday we leave the area and drive to Laughlin for one night and then Vegas Sunday - Thursday. We'll return to Anaheim Thursday and hop on the train home. Would it be worth booking a character lunch for that day to have one last Disney experience before we leave?

thanks all for your help with these questions.

 

[Hound 109]

Sounds like a great trip. If you haven't read HydroGuy's info threads, they might be helpful for you:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Regarding hopping from a Harbor Hotel to the DLH, I can't imagine it being to much of a pain. It's only a mile & you'll have a car.

Regarding Park Hoppers, you should check out GetawayToday site to determine maximum fun & value.

http://www.getawaytoday.com/TicketListing.aspx

I say this because a 6 or 7 day hopper is only $30 more than a 3 day hopper & only $15 more than a 4 day hopper.

I mention this because with the multiple days that you'll be there, i would look at your park days as quick visits into the parks (possibly twice a day) as opposed to all day gut out visits. (Go for a few hours your first day, your scuba day, & your last day......as well for shorter visits on your scheduled days) & it doesn't cost much more.

Plus, you're coming from the east coast (time change works in your favor). Let the early morning hours (& Magical Mornings) be your friend. Staying at the DLH & buying from the web site above would enable you to enjoy MM on 4 (or 5) days. You (or they) will probably be up early anyway.....enjoy the parks with very little crowds early & then escape during the afternoons when it's crowded.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[stopher1]

It sounds like a wonderful trip - a lot of moving parts, but wonderful just the same. Have your parents ever been to DL? If not, be sure to get them a 1st Time visitor button.

In regards to your question about a character meal before leaving on Saturday, my thought would be, certainly it would be worth it... you can never be too old to enjoy spending some time with the characters.

By your travel time, too, the parks will be decked out in their Christmas finery, so it will be an extra magical experience.

Sounds like fun... enjoy the planning part - but more importantly, when the time comes, enjoy your trip!!!

 

[mariezp]

Sounds like a wonderful trip. We will be there for part of your travel time. (9-23) I am hoping, like you, that we catch some of the holiday festivities.

We have traveled from Texas via Amtrak several times. It can be quite enjoyable and I expect it will be if your dad loves train. Amtrak actually serves up some pretty nice food. Just be prepared to relax and know that you will probably not arrive exactly when you are hoping. They run late pretty much all the time. Still, when you get to LA, Union Station is a beautiful station. The Hertz counter is conviently located and the signs will direct you to it. You may want to call ahead and check to make sure their hours work for your arrival. We were late one year and arrived AFTER they closed. (DH managed to bribe the guy to wait for us so it worked out.)

We never arrived at the Anaheim station. I am pretty sure you would have to switch trains in LA and then backtrack to get to Anaheim. We just never wanted to bother moving all our luggage so we always went into LA. I could be wrong but definetly call to be sure before you purchase tickets.

Can't really answer any other questions. I might suggest a special meal at Blue Bayou as an alternative to a character meal. It is our favorite and I personally would rather go there than a character meal. I think you can get a special birthday dessert, if I am not mistaken. And don't forget to get your dad a birthday button too!

 

[nunzia]

I have taken this train..once from ABQ to CHI. We are also taking AMTRAK for our May trip, leaving from ABQ, but getting off in Fullerton instead of having to go all the way into LA then back out. Maybe you could just rent a car at Fullerton unless you really want to see Union station.
I have found this route to be much better than the train (Sunset Limited?) that goes the southern route, through El Paso. Delays on that route are always horrendous, but I have never had a problem on the CHI route (Southwest Chief?) In fact, I usually end up arriving early at ABQ. Very nice and scenic route.
Sounds like a wonderful and fun trip! Are you getting sleepers?

 

[PrincessTrisha]

We're getting sleeper cars (roomettes) on the way out but probably not on the way back. On the way out they are around $350 each but on the way back they are $600 and since we need 2.....just too expensive. I also figure we'll be too tired to care where we are sleeping. As it gets closer, I might change my mind (I have a tendency to do that ).

 

[nunzia]

We're getting sleeper cars (roomettes) on the way out but probably not on the way back. On the way out they are around $350 each but on the way back they are $600 and since we need 2.....just too expensive. I also figure we'll be too tired to care where we are sleeping. As it gets closer, I might change my mind (I have a tendency to do that ).

I understand!
Honestly, I enjoyed having the roomette, but as far as leg room, coach is really better. In the roomette,(aka large closet) since you sit facing each other, you have to kind of..shift..to get room. That said..FUN! The sleeping ararngements were fine IMO ( a little hard to get up in that top bunk) So nice to have the meals included and they aren't bad. We always had coffee and juice and ice available in our car.
Remember that in Chicago and LA being a first class passenger gets you access to the lounge. Very nice in Chicago! Also free snacks, drinks, etc.
It wouldn't hurt on the way back to ask if there are upgrades available. Sometimes they can be had at a discount if not fully booked...however, I think people are beginning to choose train travel more and that may not be an option.
I do enjoy trains much more than planes. People on a train have a sense of community to a certain extent, and seem friendlier than on a plane.
What a wonderful trip