What to do in Anaheim on the travel day?

[sarahk0204]

We (me, DH, DD 12, DS 12, and DMIL) are visiting this June for the first time. We are staying in a 2BR at VGC for 6 nights. We plan on 3 days at DLR, a day at Knotts, and a beach day, probably with a whale watching cruise.

We fly into John Wayne on a Saturday at 10:00 AM. With renting a car, a grocery stop, and lunch, I figure we'll make it to the hotel by 1:00 PM or so. I highly doubt our room would be ready, and I am definitely not counting on that. I would love some suggestions for that day. We could get 4 day tickets and go into DL that day, although starting at the parks in the middle of a busy weekend day might not be the best. I thought about DTD, but I don't think we need quite that much time there. I thought about seeing a movie because we do like watching a Disney movie at DTD, but Finding Dory won't be out yet. A Hollywood bus tour was suggested, but after a 4 hour flight, I don't think we want to drive the hour.

Boy I sound like a big complainer! I just want to start our trip off on the right foot. Ant thoughts? TIA!

 

[sheetz]

I'd be exhausted but maybe you could stop off at a mall? South Coast Plaza is right by the airport and you could literally spend all day there just window shopping.

 

[sarahk0204]

Thanks! I think you are right about the exhaustion part. With an early morning flight from the Midwest, we will have gotten up at something like 2:00 AM California time. Probably best to not plan much and just enjoy being in California (and hoping our room is ready right at 4:00).

 

[cruisehopeful]

You can rent a cabana at the pool at VGC. It will have a TV, loungers and snacks. You can sleep, use the pools, etc.

If you don't want to spend that much, I think you'll be okay just hanging out. Check in and check your bags, they will give you your keys and text you when your room is ready. We enjoy hanging out in the lobby bar or going over to the Disneyland Hotel and hanging out at Trader Sam's. If you just walk around the various hotels and DTD, the time will fly by.

 

[sarahk0204]

And now our flight time has changed, so we aren't getting in until noon. Just enough time for car, lunch, and grocery shopping before we check in, especially if we have a sit down lunch.

 

[mad hatter fan]

We like to do one of the hotel character meals, Goofy's at the DLH or Surf's up at Paradise Pier on either our arrival day or day we leave. On the arrival day it is a great way to start the Disney fun while still relaxing and taking it easy.

We will be there in June too but will arrive to late for a character meal that day. We are going to do one late morning on the day we head home.

 

[sarahk0204]

Ooo, another good choice!

Since our return flight got moved earlier, it threw a wrench in a character breakfast for the last day. Might be something to consider for the first day. Thank you!

 

[Disney_Alli]

I love starting our trip with dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. We're doing it again this summer. You could also do a character breakfast on your beach day - I love all three at the hotels but Chip & Dale's breakfast will be right downstairs from your room.