Trip report for 7/2-7/5

[HappiestHaunt]

So we splurged for a 4 day trip to the parks staying at the crosswalk settling at Best Western Park Place Inn & Suites.

(Warning…We like taking pictures, but really just try to enjoy the parks. I will post some pictures later)

Since the hotel was booked up, we were not allowed to leave the car when we arrived that morning, so we parked at Mickey & Friends when we arrived on 7/2 at 7am. Off to the trams we went. I have to say, I know folks love other parking lots and the buses, I still get a kick out of the trams, as it seems like an official start to a Disneyland visit. I can remember taking them way, way back in the day, when you caught the tram at the end of a row to the front of the lot.

It was a rope drop day, so we were through the turn styles and on Main Street. First order of business was to experience the new Peter Pan ride. It was long wait, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I do like the new effects, but I kind of wish they had made some track corrections so the end joining to the platform was smoother. From there we enjoyed all the Fantasyland rides before heading over to DCA. Our game plan was to ride CA Screamin and then do Grizzly River Rapids a couple of times. This would allow us to get really wet and go to check in to the hotel to change and go back. Except, CA Screamin was down so we shifted gears and rode GSS, Ariel’s, TOT, and then headed to GRR. After the first ride, we were wet but not drenched so we headed in again and walked off the second time very wet. From there we left out to the car and the hotel. We arrived there at around 2 with check in being 3. Our room was not ready, so we walked the short walk down Harbor and grabbed some Cold Stone Ice Cream. We joined the eclub, and they had sent us a buy one get one free!

Once we returned the room was still not ready, but the front desk kicked it in gear and got it done for us. Our room was on the ground floor about halfway down the hall and close to the pool. The room turned out nice, with a King size bed, flat screen TV, and a fold out bed the kiddo liked. We rested, enjoyed the pool a bit and then headed to DD to try out Earl of Sandwich. We had joined their eclub as well, which gave us each a free sandwich. The hubby and I had the Full Montague while the kidlet had the tuna melt. We also split two sides of Mac n Cheese. In the future I could see splitting a sandwich and the mac n cheese with her and it would be enough.

We decided to take the monorail back to the parks, which was a bit of a wait, but fun! The bag check and ticket line was really short, so in the long run not to much more time than walking it to the same spot within the park. Once back in we decided to hop aboard the Matterhorn, we love the new upgrades there, but pay for the worsened ride seating. Walking through the hub to reach Indy, the crowds were insane waiting for the first PTN parade. It was my bad, we should have gone through Fantasyland. From there we rode Pirates and HM. By this time, the crowds were unreal by ROA and we were tired. We thought we would ride SM but as we went back through the hub, it was packed pending the start of the fireworks. We could have slipped under one of the ropes and had a decent hub view (and in retrospect probably should have done it) so we headed out for the day. The walk to the hotel literally took 6 minutes. I loved having a hotel that close!

7/3-We had decided ahead of time to try to do opening each day, so we could take down time during the hottest part of the day. So the next morning, we hit the hotel breakfast buffet and then headed out to the parks. We started the day at DCA by heading to get A & E tickets before hitting CA Soaring. I know it’s a new movie being “Land Marks” instead of the old film, but much of it looked the same to me. From there we visited A & E, then headed over to do the Sing Along. We left DCA and met up with my mother for a Grandma/Granddaughter day at Disneyland (her first visit in 17 years). After a ride on Space Mountain, she was no longer interested in any fast ride, so we carefully went through the park and hit the Magical Map show, hit the train to NOS to ride HM and Winnie the Pooh. We stopped for Lunch at the Harbor Galley. I had my favorite there, the BBQ Chicken potato. The rest of the group had the sour cream potato, clam chowder bowl, and the broccoli & cheese soup bowl. We then rode Pirates, JC, Tiki, and then did Peter Pan. Once done, we headed for our dinner reservations at Carnation Café for an enjoyable meal. Mom got the shrimp salad and the rest of us had The Main Street cheeseburger. Frankly, my favorite dinner salad is still the Cobb Salad at The Plaza Inn and we love the chicken meal there as well, but at CC we were going to be guaranteed air conditioning, which we felt was some needed down time. We headed over to Tommorowland and did Astro Blasters, Autopia, and IASW. Mom was done at that point and needed to head out for her 2 hour drive home. We walked out, she to the car and us back to the hotel.

7/4-Up early to hit breakfast and get to the parks at opening. Started the day with Indy, followed by Pirates, HM, and then BTMRR. Heading through Fantasyland, we rode Casey Jr and Snow White. As we walked through Tomorrowland, it was about 20 minutes to the next Jedi Training. We grabbed a ringside table and our DD sat at the blue line. The training starts, and she was luckily enough to be picked. That is so much fun and I think any child would love it. She is not a big Star Wars Fan, but loved the training and then fighting Darth Maul. She finished and we headed back to the hotel for a pool break and rest. We had Steakhouse 55 reservations at 5:30 so we headed back out about 4:45. It is a pleasant walk from our hotel through DD to the Disneyland hotel. The restaurant’s lounge is literally next door to Goofy’s Kitchen. It has a thick curtain (and maybe a wall) separating the two areas. It is interesting to see this rat pack style lounge on one side and families waiting for Goofy’s kitchen on the other side. 5:30 is the earliest dinner reservation you can make and we were the second party there for dinner. We requested and were seated at a nice booth that could see much of the room, but felt a bit secluded as well, which was nice. We decided to skip appetizers, in favor of dinner and dessert. We ordered our meals and were pleasantly surprised with an amuse bouche for the adults and one for our daughter courtesy of the chef! The adults had a gazpacho with olive tapenade which was delicious. Our daughter had a compressed watermelon bite she loved. We had sourdough bread loaf for bread service, which was very good and I suspect made on premises at the bakery in DCA. We each had a steak, I had the Rib eye and the husband had Porterhouse. Our daughter had the kids salmon meal with butter pasta. We ordered the seasonal risotto (that night it was Duck Philly cheesesteak) and the gruyere fingerling casserole. Both were good, but the casserole was better. With the size of the steaks, the two sides were easily split between the two of us and our daughter. We ended the meal with the most delicious vanilla bean Crème Brule, and the hubby had a snifter of scotch. Our Amazing Waiter was Oscar, who ensured our meal was fronted with spectacular service! He even surprised us with a decadent chocolate mousse with mickey ears and a Happy Anniversary Chocolate Plaque! It was a wonderful experience and I will happily return.

After dinner, we once again took the monorail back to the park. It was a longer wait this time, but still a fun ride. Once back in the park we headed over to ride IJ, but it was down, so we rode Pirates and got off just as it went down. So headed over to ride HM, but it was down. By this time, Fantasmic was done and the fireworks were going off. We watched by the mansion and were able to see most of the water screen projections. We waited and took the train, once it was up and running, and headed back to the hotel.

7/5- Check out day. We opted to sleep in this last day. I am a morning person, so I was still up early. I grabbed breakfast from the buffet and brought it back to our room. Once they were up and had eaten, we packed the room up and loaded up the car. We checked out and headed to Mickey & Friends for our last day. We entered the park at around 10am, with an 11:30 BB reservation. We rode HM, Pooh, and Pirates. Checked in to have a lunch at the BB. My husband wanted to try the Monte Cristo there, since he had it previously at Café Orleans and did not like it there. The sandwich at the BB was so much better and he says he would order it there again in a heartbeat. I had the slow roasted beef strip meal, and found the potatoes were really good, the steak was under seasoned, but the green peppercorn sauce was too much and over powered the whole plate. The strip was on the tough side (and it was hard not to compare the meat to what I had the night before, which this steak was not even close). Considering the price was only a little less, I would never order it again. But I would try other things in the future, and I enjoyed the gumbo! Because we had the first seating of the day, 11:30, we were automatically given a waterside table. Our table was perfect with our seats facing the ride, so I was never pulled out of the restaurant/ride ambiance. Our server was polite and friendly, but overworked, as she was handling our table, two other 4 tops and a table of 10 behind us. This caused our food to be dropped near our table and sit for over 10 minutes before she appeared and served it. My food was still acceptable, as was my husbands sandwich. The daughters mac n cheese meal was cold and had to be replaced, which was annoying. On that day, the bread service was sourdough rolls and she had her carrot/celery appetizer, so that helped carry her until her food came again. The redo of her meal must have worked, it came out hot and fresh and she ate every bite. Our server was very apologetic and surprised us with a dessert, which was nice.

From lunch we rode Pirates again, then headed over to BTMRR for another ride. We took another run at Matterhorn and visited Toontown, before heading back to Tomorrowland for a ride on Star Tours. One last HM ride and then we called it a day and headed back to the trams for our final ride before grabbing the car to home. We had a great trip! We experience many magical moments with CMs in both parks (thank you all!!), had new experiences with family, and really enjoyed being so close to the parks.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Great report! I have a couple of questions about the Best Western Park Place Inn. We're staying there early next month for five nights. We're checking in after spending a day at Universal, so we probably won't get there until around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Is the parking lot big enough that we would still be likely to get a space at that hour? I've heard of people being sent down the street when the lot gets full and we'd like to avoid that. When I made my reservation, the agent did make a note that we'd need a space, but I don't know if they actually hold any for late check-ins. Once we get parked, we won't need to move the car until we check out. I'm also wondering about the breakfast. Do they still serve it at the restaurant next door? Is the food decent? Is there a good amount of space to sit and eat, or do people end up having to take their food back to their rooms? We usually bring our own food and eat while we're getting ready, but we might take advantage of the free breakfast if it's worthwhile. Thanks!

 

[J9001]

Great report. Looking forward to some pictures.

 

[Kirby]

Enjoyed your TR! I hope to one day visit DL.

 

[HappiestHaunt]

Great report! I have a couple of questions about the Best Western Park Place Inn. We're staying there early next month for five nights. We're checking in after spending a day at Universal, so we probably won't get there until around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Is the parking lot big enough that we would still be likely to get a space at that hour? I've heard of people being sent down the street when the lot gets full and we'd like to avoid that. When I made my reservation, the agent did make a note that we'd need a space, but I don't know if they actually hold any for late check-ins. Once we get parked, we won't need to move the car until we check out. I'm also wondering about the breakfast. Do they still serve it at the restaurant next door? Is the food decent? Is there a good amount of space to sit and eat, or do people end up having to take their food back to their rooms? We usually bring our own food and eat while we're getting ready, but we might take advantage of the free breakfast if it's worthwhile. Thanks!

Lets see, their parking is INSANELY tight. They are very aware of the cars that need parking though. While we waited for our room to be ready, we watched them rent a room to a walk in and let him know that parking was not included, as reserved rooms had all available parking. We ended up parking close to the front, but finally the idiot who had over parked the spot near our room moved and we put the car there for the whole trip. If the person next to you over parks, then the next space is truly not usable (I tried but could not exit the vehicle). So like you, we decided that parking and leaving it parked for the whole trip was the way to go. Once we moved to that spot next to the room that check in day, we left it there until we checked out and left. Frankly I would call them as you leave Universal to let them know you are coming, hopefully they can get your stuff ready for you. You pull into the first driveway, next to the Captain Kidd restaurant. They have 2 (yep only 2) spaces for guests checking in. (You cannot enter the parking lot itself without the parking card). But I tell you, the proximity is absolutely amazing! I am now completely spoiled, since the walk to the hotel felt about the same as the walk to the tram. I am sure the tram is a bit closer, but when you can see the hotel as you exit, that helps psychologically.

Breakfast Buffet is upstars above the Captain Kidd restuarant for now. But our reservation noted the following "Parking is $10.00 per night. One car per room. A "On the Go" Breakfast bag consisting of a breakfast sandwich, apple, granola bar and orange juice will be offered each morning during breakfast area construction from 8/24/15 to 10/31/15." So if you coming prior to that August date, then you simply go upstairs, provide them your room number and last name and they check you in. It is not extensive and is obviously reheated but we ended up making bagel sandwiches with the thin egg patties and the meat of the day. The buffet had whole apples, oranges, and bananas. Next to that they had generic white and wheat bread, plain bagels, and cinnamon raisin bagels (I think that is what they were). Then toasters, syrup and butter. Then box style donuts and danishes. After that was hot food, which was either toaster type heated waffles or french toast sticks, unseasoned cooked obrien style potatoes, thin egg paties, and usually sausages or Ham patties. The provided four types of dry cereal, oatmeal ackets, hot water, coffee, Orange Juice, Apple juice, and milk. With the coffee, they offered to go cups and lids. They seemed to have no trouble with me taking a full breakfast back to the room our check out day either. The breakfast room is warmish, although at 7 in the morning it was not too bad. I imagine that with the to go breakfast, people will be picking those up in the lobby. My husband and I usually grabbed a plain bagel, toasted it, layered in the meat and egg and had a breakfast sandwich with coffee and fruit each morning. It was not fancy and likely a bit high on the sodium, but it was nice and filling and free! It really kept us going until a large snack at lunch and then a dinner plan, which kept us budgeted for the nicer meal splurges. The breakfast space has a bit of room, but not enough for the hotel as a whole. Since we like park opening days, we hit in early enough that space was never an issue for us. Each hotel room has a large mini fridge and microwave, in case you wish to eat what you bring. My daughter ended up grabbing an apple and orange each day to add to the snack pack she carries in the park.

 

[Imdboss]

Thanks for the report. Sounds like you had an amazing trip!!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Lets see, their parking is INSANELY tight. They are very aware of the cars that need parking though. While we waited for our room to be ready, we watched them rent a room to a walk in and let him know that parking was not included, as reserved rooms had all available parking. We ended up parking close to the front, but finally the idiot who had over parked the spot near our room moved and we put the car there for the whole trip. If the person next to you over parks, then the next space is truly not usable (I tried but could not exit the vehicle). So like you, we decided that parking and leaving it parked for the whole trip was the way to go. Once we moved to that spot next to the room that check in day, we left it there until we checked out and left. Frankly I would call them as you leave Universal to let them know you are coming, hopefully they can get your stuff ready for you. You pull into the first driveway, next to the Captain Kidd restaurant. They have 2 (yep only 2) spaces for guests checking in. (You cannot enter the parking lot itself without the parking card). But I tell you, the proximity is absolutely amazing! I am now completely spoiled, since the walk to the hotel felt about the same as the walk to the tram. I am sure the tram is a bit closer, but when you can see the hotel as you exit, that helps psychologically.

Breakfast Buffet is upstars above the Captain Kidd restuarant for now. But our reservation noted the following "Parking is $10.00 per night. One car per room. A "On the Go" Breakfast bag consisting of a breakfast sandwich, apple, granola bar and orange juice will be offered each morning during breakfast area construction from 8/24/15 to 10/31/15." So if you coming prior to that August date, then you simply go upstairs, provide them your room number and last name and they check you in. It is not extensive and is obviously reheated but we ended up making bagel sandwiches with the thin egg patties and the meat of the day. The buffet had whole apples, oranges, and bananas. Next to that they had generic white and wheat bread, plain bagels, and cinnamon raisin bagels (I think that is what they were). Then toasters, syrup and butter. Then box style donuts and danishes. After that was hot food, which was either toaster type heated waffles or french toast sticks, unseasoned cooked obrien style potatoes, thin egg paties, and usually sausages or Ham patties. The provided four types of dry cereal, oatmeal ackets, hot water, coffee, Orange Juice, Apple juice, and milk. With the coffee, they offered to go cups and lids. They seemed to have no trouble with me taking a full breakfast back to the room our check out day either. The breakfast room is warmish, although at 7 in the morning it was not too bad. I imagine that with the to go breakfast, people will be picking those up in the lobby. My husband and I usually grabbed a plain bagel, toasted it, layered in the meat and egg and had a breakfast sandwich with coffee and fruit each morning. It was not fancy and likely a bit high on the sodium, but it was nice and filling and free! It really kept us going until a large snack at lunch and then a dinner plan, which kept us budgeted for the nicer meal splurges. The breakfast space has a bit of room, but not enough for the hotel as a whole. Since we like park opening days, we hit in early enough that space was never an issue for us. Each hotel room has a large mini fridge and microwave, in case you wish to eat what you bring. My daughter ended up grabbing an apple and orange each day to add to the snack pack she carries in the park.

Awesome! Thanks so much for all the info. Our trip is the first week of August so we'll be there before they switch to the breakfast bags. It sounds like everyone in our family will find something they like. We don't usually expect much from hotel breakfasts, but it should be good enough to keep us going until an early lunch or morning snack time (we've been known to be the first ones at the pretzel carts when they open!). I'm a little concerned about parking, but I will take your advice and give them a call as we're leaving Universal. I will also call to confirm our reservation the week prior, and will check to be sure they still have us down for a parking space. Last year we stayed at the Camelot which is also very close. I really liked the proximity to the crosswalk. This will be our first time trying out BWPPI. Thank for your help!

 

[Indiana Scott]

Thanks for the report - looking forward to pics!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

cant wait for all the pics. good report

 

[wilsonarts]

I enjoyed reading your report. It sounds like you had a fantastic trip!

 

[Queeneileen]

Great report. I was also at BWPPI 6/28-7/3. I thought the distance to DL was excellent. The breakfast was pretty good. I was quite happy with BWPPI.
We also got a bus tour to LA that we caught in front of the hotel.