DisneyLAND first timer--planning tips?

[MissBianca]

I am so excited about this adventure that I could just squee! :girlears:

Bernard and I have never been to Disneyland and I want to make the most out of our time there.

I need suggestions for where to stay and some nice places to go for just the two of us. Of course, I'm really looking forward to having BA, one of the best DL guides in existence, there when I tour the park(s?) for the first time. But I'm also looking forward to taking in the details at my own turtle-pace.

Let's see...treats? Best shops? Things to avoid? Ummmm special foods to try? Where will I feel the heart of Walt most closely?

Squeeee! (oops, it just slipped out)

[Ursulinda]

3 words - Candy Cane Inn. If you need an ecv, be sure to request a ground floor room. I seem to remember the ecv company I used was Deckert.

[Jellyrolls]

If you can afford it, staying in one of the DL resorts is wonderful. The Grand Californian is one of the best resorts I've ever stayed in. Great rooms, and a not to be beat location.

The Disneyland Hotel is also wonderful, and makes you feel immersed in the Disney magic like no other Disney Hotel, in my opinion.

I've only stayed at the on property hotels, but my advice would be to stay at a hotel within walking distance to the parks. I know a lot of folks on the DIS seem to like the Howard Johnson's.

I'm set to stay at the Villas at the Grand Californian, but perhaps there should be an semi-official Tag hotel for folks that want to stay at the same place as others.

I loved the Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Californian, and Cafe Orleans in Disneyland. I also like going to the Plaza restaurant in Disneyland for lunhc or dinner (it's like a buffeteria). I had a really great meal at the Wine Country Trattiota (I know I didn't spell that word right).

[zakerdog]

MissB, there are so many special and different things to do at DL, you are going to love it!

As for hotels, my favorite is the Disneyland Hotel, just because it's THE Disneyland Hotel that I saw pictures of when I was a child dreaming of going there. We have stayed there twice and it is on the top of my list. This year they had some great specials in January so maybe we will get lucky.

My second and only other choice is the Candy Cane Inn - love it!
http://www.candycaneinn.net/

The Candy Cane Inn has a free shuttle bus, but it is a very close walk to the main gates. The bus is not handicap accessible and I do not know if they have alternative transportation, but you would be able to take your chair on the path to the main gate and it is not a long walk for Bernard.

Lots of dining options at the Disneyland resorts, Downtown Disney and the parks. My favorite for a special dining experience is a water side table in the Blue Bayou.

[Mariby]

I agree with the Candy Cane Inn. :D

The Candy Cane Inn is also a Disney-designated "Good Neighbor" Hotel (see the official Disney website). While designation as a Good Neighbor hotel doesn't mean Disney-level service, it does mean that they have Disney's nod as a satisfactory place to stay.

[Jennifer]

For Good Neighbor Hotels, I have been partial to the Best Western Anaheim Inn. It is actually closer to the gates than Candy Cane except for the fact that you have to cross Harbor Blvd. Here is a picture I took last summer from the street in front of the hotel. The signal light you see is where the crosswalk is to get over to the entrance. It is just a short walk to the gates from there. Once you cross the street and move out of sight of this picture, the Disney music begins and you know you have arrived!!

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/100_0024.JPG

I definitely agree with staying at a Disney resort if you can afford it. I have stayed at Paradise Pier which is probably the farthest location, but we had a room that looked out over California Adventure. My goal is to stay at the Grand Californian!

For dining, we love to start our day at River Belle Terrace in Disneyland. I think it is the only place you can get Mickey pancakes. :yes: I have done the Minnie & Me Breakfast at the Plaza and it was fun. Almost like Crystal Palace at WDW, but different characters. I have only had breakfast at Cafe Orleans and it was very nice, complete with Marti Gras beads! Blue Bayou is always a fun choice. Over in DCA Trattoria is my favorite! LOVE their lasagna. If you like burgers, Taste Pilots Grill has some very good ones!

Walt's touch is all over Disneyland. And going at a slow pace is the best way to catch it. Watch for windows above the shops, not just on Main Street. There are quite a few surprises.

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/DavyCrockett.JPG

[MissBianca]

As for hotels, my favorite is the Disneyland Hotel, just because it's THE Disneyland Hotel that I saw pictures of when I was a child dreaming of going there.

I just squee'd again, remembering seeing bits of Disneyland on TV as a child. Perhaps that should be my theme for the trip--nostalgia. I wonder if we can afford the DL hotel? Plane fare should be cheap for a change, quite possibly a quarter of what we spend to get to WDW. *shifts budget*

Candy Cane Inn has such a cute name and it is a really good value, isn't it?

Ohh, I loveeee planning! :lol:

Jennifer, thanks for the pic! Just the kind of thing I'm wanting to catch.

Oh, one question for Bernard--anyone know where the closest Starbucks is? He's still addicted to frappucinnos.

[twinks]

Count me in as one who loves the Candy Cane Inn. Family run and very nice. While it is within walking distance, they also have it's own shuttle. They have a breakfast that is nice.

I've recommended the Candy Cane Inn and stayed there many times. However, I've always wanted to stay at the Disneyland Hotel. I remember going to Disneyland as a young child and seeing the Disneyland Hotel.

I would plan on doing the things that are unique to Disneyland.

You will have BA, the bestest person to tour with. Hey, this is Tag-A-Venture, I will be there! I will finally get to meet you.

twinks

[Simba001]

Miss B how exciting! When are you going?!?! Do you need someone to carry your luggage :p

Depending on budget here is our preference for accomodations:


Grand Californian - what is better than going out one entrance and being in California Adventure and going out another and being in Downtown Disneyland. Storybook Cafe is nice and you've got to go to Napa Rose at least once - its quite the eating experience
Paradise Pier - Many consider it a long walk... we don't. Especially when you cut through the Grand. Rooms are a nice size

After that our choices would be:


Candy Cane Inn - clean, comfortable, friendly staff, complimentary continential breakfast. I would choose not to be too close to the pool. The hotel can be a little noisy if a group of teens is staying there.
Disneyland Hotel - We really enjoyed the hotel more when the monorail cafe, animation store and other shops were there. One of those you have to stay there once because places.

As others have said - Dine at the Blue Bayou - great atmosphere.

Carnation Cafe has wonderful food and Oscar!

I would recommend the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. We took it for the first time last June. It really is a good and informative tour and .... you get to go into the lobby of Club 33 !

I recall there was a stand in Downtown Disney (on the way to the security entrance going into the esplande) If I remember it wasn't open early in the morning. Compass Book Cafe in Downtown (close to the monorail) and La Brea Bakery (close to the security entrance again) make decent lattes.

[BetsyAnn]

Thanks for such kind words - I will endeavor to live up to such high praise!;) There are lots of DL experts around here - jump right in!

Now where to stay - I like the cheapest, the closest, the cleanest. Have stayed at the Best Westerns, Howard Johnson's and other places on Harbor. Have stayed a bit further away if I could get a good rate.

Now if you grew up with Uncle Walt like my generation did then the Disneyland Hotel may be a place of your dreams. If there is a great rate there for January I am all for it!

Snacks - for me that will always be fritters and Mint Juliep's. There is some nice ice cream on Main Street, and of course you can get those Dole products at the Tiki Room.

Love the Blue Bayou for everyone at least once - it runs a bit much but not completely out of line.

Where do I feel Walt's presence the most - almost everywhere - If you remember Walt and the WWD - then the Tiki room will bring back some of those memories, Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Small World cuz he brought it from the World Fair, almost every attraction in Fantasyland, and for me in the train ride completely around the Park.

We will have a blast!

[akdisney]

If you can afford it, staying in one of the DL resorts is wonderful. The Grand Californian is one of the best resorts I've ever stayed in. Great rooms, and a not to be beat location.

The Disneyland Hotel is also wonderful, and makes you feel immersed in the Disney magic like no other Disney Hotel, in my opinion.

I've only stayed at the on property hotels, but my advice would be to stay at a hotel within walking distance to the parks. I know a lot of folks on the DIS seem to like the Howard Johnson's.

I'm set to stay at the Villas at the Grand Californian, but perhaps there should be an semi-official Tag hotel for folks that want to stay at the same place as others.

I loved the Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Californian, and Cafe Orleans in Disneyland. I also like going to the Plaza restaurant in Disneyland for lunhc or dinner (it's like a buffeteria). I had a really great meal at the Wine Country Trattiota (I know I didn't spell that word right).

Wine Country Trattiota is close Redoing the space, it will coming back soon.

[akdisney]

I just squee'd again, remembering seeing bits of Disneyland on TV as a child. Perhaps that should be my theme for the trip--nostalgia. I wonder if we can afford the DL hotel? Plane fare should be cheap for a change, quite possibly a quarter of what we spend to get to WDW. *shifts budget*

Candy Cane Inn has such a cute name and it is a really good value, isn't it?

Ohh, I loveeee planning! :lol:

Jennifer, thanks for the pic! Just the kind of thing I'm wanting to catch.

Oh, one question for Bernard--anyone know where the closest Starbucks is? He's still addicted to frappucinnos.

Starbucks.com say that there one on:
corner of ball road and Harbor blvd Pass fwy two or three block from cross walk to Disneyland

1200 S. Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA 92805
714-254-0680

This store is currently open!
Hours today: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM

[MissBianca]

I am definitely a WWD child, BA. I even remember it before it was in color! I vividly remember the show about the World's Fair and how they showed all of Small World. But (this is so funny) I thought the dolls were doll-sized so it was quite a shock when I saw them at WDW the first time.

Oh, and Bernard has taken to reading this thread :D He's excited too.

[MissBianca]

And AK, thanks for the Starbucks locale! That makes staying on Harbor look better. So much fun deciding.

Simba, I'm going on this Tag-A-Venture. I'll carry your bags if you'll carry mine ;) And the shops in the Disneyland Hotel are gone? Because of the new Downtown Disney thing? Hmmmmmm...

[Bookwood]

Nothing to add really- just wanted to say " Hi Bernard" :wave::waving2::waving2::wave:

[Ursulinda]

Candy Cane Inn has such a cute name and it is a really good value, isn't it?



Candy Cane Inn does have a cute name, but what sold me, after arrival was - the ROSES! It predates Disneyland (you can see on a map that it's the corner chunk Disney couldn't buy) and someone, back in the early days, planted roses and trained them to climb up to the second floor railings. Glorious!

The second thing I loved, was the staff. They were warm and welcoming and eager to please, AND they got up at 3 am (unasked for) to provide the 1/2 marathoners with breakfast! You take care of the kids, you earn my vote!

The Grand Californian is closer, it's true. And elegant, no doubt. But i'd have to give up something else in order to stay there, because it's expensive, too. For a place to sleep, it's not worth it to me.

[zakerdog]

Just some food for thought :confused: There will be up to 2400 Disney fans arriving in LA at the same time, on the same day, on a weekend! How many of those people do you think will be heading over to DL :girlears::boyears:

It may be a good idea to book accommodations early, if something else comes up like group rates or specials you can always rebook or take advantage of them at that time.

[Jennifer]

Very good advise Carol!!

[Bookwood]

I was just checking for the heck of it online and couldn't get prices for rooms past the weekend I got a price for Friday, Saturday and maybe sunday but not for Monday night at either the Disneyland hotel or Candy Cane inn

[MissBianca]

Just some food for thought :confused: There will be up to 2400 Disney fans arriving in LA at the same time, on the same day, on a weekend! How many of those people do you think will be heading over to DL :girlears::boyears:

It may be a good idea to book accommodations early, if something else comes up like group rates or specials you can always rebook or take advantage of them at that time.

I'm sorry, I'm so out of the loop. Is there a special event? Or is it just that that is the number who arrive every day?

[Cruiser]

I'm sorry, I'm so out of the loop. Is there a special event? Or is it just that that is the number who arrive every day?

There will be over 2,400 of us on the Disney Panama Cruise (repositioning) arriving that day!

[Cruiser]

I was just checking for the heck of it online and couldn't get prices for rooms past the weekend I got a price for Friday, Saturday and maybe sunday but not for Monday night at either the Disneyland hotel or Candy Cane inn

Carol tried at Candy Cane and had the same problem when she booked online.

She called the hotel directly (714) 774-5284 and had no problem with booking Monday as well.

We are still hoping for a deal at the Disneyland Hotel and we will cancel Candy Cane if one comes up.

Anyhow, give Candy Cane a call . . .

[Bookwood]

Thanks for the number Gary- I'll call tomorrow!

[twinks]

And here the lady at the Candy Cane Inn thought I was crazy when I made ressies in January for more than a year away. She kept confirming that I wanted in 2011 and not 2010 :lol:

[Rosebud]

Candy Cane Inn does have a cute name, but what sold me, after arrival was - the ROSES! It predates Disneyland (you can see on a map that it's the corner chunk Disney couldn't buy) and someone, back in the early days, planted roses and trained them to climb up to the second floor railings. Glorious!
I didn't stay there, but when I drove by I was wondering why they named it the Candy Cane Inn and not Rose something Inn. It is even pretty just driving by.

[twinks]

Same establishment years and years ago (when I was about 4 years old)the place had a little play area in front. It had a gingerbread house and candy canes all around (I think it was the fence). It was cute. Obviously the grounds have changed.

They have a toll free # for reservations. 1-800-345-7057

[Simba001]

And AK, thanks for the Starbucks locale! That makes staying on Harbor look better. So much fun deciding.

Simba, I'm going on this Tag-A-Venture. I'll carry your bags if you'll carry mine ;) And the shops in the Disneyland Hotel are gone? Because of the new Downtown Disney thing? Hmmmmmm...

AK isn't the Starbucks a bit of a walk still from HoJos?

MissB how I wish I could go...... I would pull your bags if you could pull mine.... Wheels all the way anymore :p
When Downtown Disney was being built and the Disneyland Hotel was being remodeled the stores I frequented (and ones that were unique) became a thing of the past. I recall more 14k jewelry being sold in a shop at the Disneyland Hotel than on Main Street in the Park. ( OK..... I didn't buy much of it, but always hoped to....)