What not to miss at DL Hotel?

[Tandyc]

I am taking 11 folks from the same (extended) family with children from 2 -12 years old. Never stayed here myself, I need all the dirt.

Thanks for any tips and/or help!

Tandyc

 

[lisah0711]

See the waterfalls and koi ponds by the Wonder tower.

 

[Tandyc]

Thanks! Will they be easy to find?

T

 

[DizMe]

Agree with the waterfalls and koi ponds! Yes, they're easy to find (hard to miss, really).

I *think* there may be a hotel tour, but I'm not sure about that.

They project the light image of Tinkerbell into the pool at night. I am not sure what nights, though, as we discovered last year that it didn't happen every night. I would guess it's weekend nights. If you have an upper level pool view room, it's very cool.

Be sure to have breakfast (or other meal, but breakfast is my favorite--good food, great prices, wonderful ambiance) at Steakhouse 55.

Many swear by Goofy's Kitchen, so I will mention it. They are supposed to have great character meals and a good dinner buffet. However, I personally don't care for it much (did the character breakfast only).

Next to Goofy's Kitchen, there is a fun car for photo ops. Also nearby is a little screening room where they show cartoons for the kids.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Make sure you take a stroll around the convention areas of the hotel. There is wonderful orignial concept art for lands and attractions. I believe a replica of the original map is also mounted in one of the areas, but they lock that section off when it isn't in use. There is also a cool display in that area of collectible historical Disney merchandise - a big 8 foot x 10 foot display case! There are character Meet and Greets in the lobby - my daughter spent lots of time with Cinderella and Alice there. Usually it's one face character and one of the Fab Five, like Goofy or Pluto. I've seen Tigger there, too.

There was some construction next to Goofy's Kitchen this weekend. We had lunch there, and while it was tasy, I was a bit out of sorts afterwards for a few hours. Take that as you will. The character interaction there was very good, although the restaurant itself is very noisy during peak hours (and even noisier during off peak - the room acoustics aren't great).

If you would like a calmer character experience in an elegant setting (you can also off a menu and don't have to get the buffet), do Storytellers at the GCH. The characters there offer quality time and really play great games with the kids, the room has fabulous ambiance and brings about conversation about the stories portrayed in the giant paintings on the wall (each is from a classic literature story that takes place in CA, like the Frogs of Calaveras County, etc) - they give you a sheet about them if you ask.

The Grand Californian also hosts a free hotel tour at 2:30pm. A not to miss, if you have arcitecture buffs. They point out a lot of details.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Almost forgot - make sure you keep your drapes open during the day to charge up the Pixie dust in your room. You'll understand when the lights go out at night!

 

[Tandyc]

You guys are awesome! Thank you so much

Just the type of info I was looking for.

Tandyc

 

[avalon451]

We only had dinner there, at Hook's Point. It wasn't that great. It's supposed to be a nicer seafood restaurant, but I was under the impression that the decor was really pirate-y, and it's not, and the food is overpriced for the quality. Service was good, though.

 

[Sherry E]

Also check out the little mini-Jungle Cruise boats and mini 'people' waiting in the queue for the ride, in the marina - I think they are remote controlled boats but I could be wrong. They are fun for adults and kids to see!

I love Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast, not dinner (and I don't have any kids - my friends and I just love it there). I have never had bad food at their breakfast buffet, but occasionally there are fewer characters than some meals, and other times, there is an abundance of characters. But the assortment of food (with the exception of the cupcakes) is excellent! Great-tasting bacon, potatoes and fruit!!