Trip Plans From a WDW Vet / DL Novice

[BriarRosie]

Well, folks, I hate to admit it, but I know next to nothing about planning a Disneyland trip. I know Walt Disney World front and back, but I need "learning experiences" for Disneyland / DCA.

My one and only trip to Disneyland was in May, 1996. I was there as part of the second annual TDS CM trip, and I had a ball!
I found some attractions far superior in DL than in the MK at WDW, and darned if they didn't move Adventureland on me!

Now I've decided to squeeze a DL trip before my two WDW trips I have later this year. I may or may not have friends joining me, although it looks really good that they might. However, I prepared myself booking as if I were taking a solo trip.

Here's what I've done so far:


Dates : August 7-11, 2003 (Thursday through Monday)


Airfare : I noticed a couple of months ago that fares from Chicago to SNA and LAX were extremely low! I heard that flying into SNA was better when you're going to Disneyland, so I booked a round-trip flight with United at $173.50. Not too shabby! (The same flight now was $314!)

Accommodations : Since I booked such a great flight, I realized that I should look for a room. I heard nothing but good things about the Candy Cane Inn, so I did a little online investigating. I found that if I book online, and if there's available rooms, they had a web-only rate of $77 per night plus tax. Perfect!

I have my travel dates, my airfare, and my accommodations. I also know that I should use SuperShuttle (I guess it's the DL "Mears"?) to get to my hotel from the airport.

I can cancel my room at the Candy Cane Inn if my friends and I decided to splurge at a DL resort. I'm glad I have the "backup" reservation, though!

I did a little research about park admission, and I saw that MouseSavers had described a five day ticket for the price of three. There was also the Passport Plus, which gave you a few extras that I'd take advantage of, like the breakfast in the park and the multiple FastPasses.

I do want to try to get a seat for the Fantasmic Dessert Buffet, so I wrote down a phone number I saw in another thread. (I hope the 30 day phone call isn't as insane as the 60 day Princess Breakfast one!)

I know that I want to try a few full service restaurants, but the only one I've visited from my 1996 trip was Blue Bayou.
(FYI: I systematically try a new-to-me restaurant during my WDW trips, and there are very few I haven't tried yet!)

I think I'm off to a good start.

 

[Goofydiane]

Just thought I'd add my comments to your plan.

I think that $77 is quite high for Candy Cane Inn. I've never stayed there and due to my personal preference, never will. The room doors are to the outside, not an internal corridor. For safety reasons, I do not stay in those hotels.

From reading on the boards, I am hearing about people who are getting 3 star hotels(Hilton, Marriott, Coast) for approximately $50 via priceline. Not sure if you want to go that route or not. I'm currently at the Hilton Anaheim (park view room) with an internet rate of $80/night.

In regards to where to eat - depending on your budget:
*Vineyard at California Adventure
*Napa Rose at Grand Californian
*Storybook Cafe at Grand Californian
*Goofy's Kitchen has a great character breakfast as well

Attractions:
*Soarin' Over California at DCA
*Aladdin stage show at DCA (get tickets early!)
*Indiana Jones at DL (similar ride to Dinosaur)

Have a great trip!
Diane

 

[BriarRosie]

Thanks for the input, Diane! I guess I'm just used to "Disney" prices. Since the Candy Cane Inn is within walking distance, I thought the $77 rate seemed reasonable, especially since you get continental breakfast with it, which is my typical breakfast.

I compared it to being at the All Stars, but with breakfast. I have historically gotten great deals at WDW resorts by being an annual passholder., Now that I'm in DVC, but I didn't want to stay at DL on points.

My alternate plans hinge on the plans of my friends. We were hopefully going to try to split a concierge room at the Grand Californian if we could. I'd rather stay at CCI by myself than take on the GC solo.

My food budget is about $50 day when I'm at WDW, and I don't typically spend it all. I adjust that a bit when I plan bigger things, like Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table with four friends last September. (That was a budget buster but SO worth it!)

I'm making a list of info to keep in my PDA, so the restaurants are going in! Thanks for the suggestions! I knew that I wanted to see Soarin' Over California and the Aladdin show as my main objectives. Glad to know that there is a tip about the Aladdin show! (I'll more than likely do a FP for Soarin'.)

And, when I went on my first and only trip to DL in 1996, the Indiana Johes Temple of the Forbidden Eye jumped to the front of my list of all time favorite attractions. It became my Favorite Attraction of ANY Disney park (so far!) I loved it enough to think Dinosaur (aka Countdown to Extinction) was a pale substitute.


Next October I am going to use points for Disneyland Paris. Mainly because park passes are included when you do that.

I'm get excited when I'm in the planning stages of a trip.

 

[mousetrom]

I agree that Dinosaur is a weak cousin to Indy. I rode Indy by myself - last car through one night - long story involving baby swap and a poopy diaper. They let me ride, but noone else was left in the whole building. Most fun, frightening experience of my life!!!! If I had it to do over, I would make one of the CM's ride with me at least!

Get tickets for Aladdin, but show up prior to the suggested 15 min before showtime if you want your pick of seats. We got there when told and still had a good view as in most Disney thaters, but no choice of floor, mezz, balcony. We ended up on the floor behind the main aisle. That's a SUPER place to sit to see the puppets (think tapestry), but sit in the mezz or balcony if you'd rather have a close up of the flying carpet. FYI - Balcony has 101 steps to access. GREAT SHOW!!!

FP Soarin' then do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May replace Indy as your fav.

DON'T MISS the new Lincoln show on main street in DL.

I loved Paradise Pier when I went a couple weeks ago. The room was nice (think POFQ) and the CM's were great. My friend has a DL AP so we got a great rate with a wonderful park view upgrade on check-in. Loved the private entrance to DCA and DL isn't far when you go in through the GC which is right across the street from PP.

 

[LeftCoaster]

Sounds like you're off to a good start. The rate for Candy Cane Inn actually seems pretty good. Remember, from Mid June through late August is peak season at the DLR. Even a non theme park view room at the Paradise Pier Hotel will probably go for $200 a night or more. I'm not sure really what the Harbor Blvd. hotels go for during that time since it's been so long since I've priced it. However, Candy Cane Inn aLWAYS gets great reviews.
For the Fantasmic Dessert, be ready to call first thing. I hear they tend to sell out pretty quickly.
Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian is one of my favorite restaurants. There's also the Napa Rose there which I haven't tried yet. I'm too anal to spend $75 a person on dinner but, it's supposed to be great. The other hotels have some good restaurants too.

 

[ilovemky]

Carnation on Main Street

The BEST mickey waffles!

And, great soup/sandwich items for lunch and dinner. It is sit-down outside dining with free drink refills (ask for a to-go cup when you leave--they will give you one for the road, too!) Ask for Bob!

Corn dog Cart at end of Main Street--the BEST corn dogs--hand dipped and HUGE! You will not go away hungry!

Rancho Del Zocala in Adventureland

is a personal fav also--BBQ and Mexican food--also, free drink refills but they do not tell you that--just walk back in thru the exit and refill your cup!

Redd Rocket's Pizza Port

great pizza and salads--with a large group, order a whole pizz--you can get it half and half also. They will cut it into 12 pieces and takes about 10 minutes--a great deal!

At DCA, Taste Pilot's Grill has good burgers, etc and the prices are very reasonable!

bon apetit!

 

[JenniferW]

Also, check out the Pacific Wharf restaurant that has the sourdough breadbowls with soups or salads. I always get the brocolli and cheese soup, then tear the bowl apart and eat with butter, yum!

Jenn

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I really liked the Candy Cane Inn and I think you got a good rate for the time of year you're going. The breakfast is pretty good. Muffins, bagels, fruit, yogurt, cereal, juice. It was much better than the typical continental hotel breakfast. The breakfast room is pretty small, but you can take it back to your room.

For sit down restaurants I like Goofy's Kitchen for character meals as it has the best character interaction. It's buffet food which I find is usually OK, but not the greatest. Storyteller's at GCH was very good. The Plaza Inn at DL has a huge fried chicken dinner that's good and is big enough to split with someone (we get an extra biscuit). This year I'm giving the Wine Country Trattoria at DCA a try. I've heard good things about it and wanted something new.

Don't miss the Aladdin show at DCA. It's very good and is a bit different from the usual Disney shows.

KrisAnne

 

[missypie]

Try a meal at Ariel's Grotto in DCA. The Birnbaum Book has a coupon in the back for dinner at lunch prices (3 courses, fixed price.) You'll need reservations. If you stay at one of the DLR hotels, you will be thrilled that you can walk to both of the parks w/o getting on a bus.