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Disney Vacation (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Big fan. Granted, I live in flyover country where restaurants with tableside guacamole are in short supply. I don't know if someone from California or Texas would rave about it, but I dug it.Downtown Disney Anaheim has some familiar faces to regulars at Downtown Disney Orlando: ESPN Zone, Earl Of Sandwich, Rainforest Cafe, House Of Blues... I liked the bakery near the park gates (La Brea Bakery?) for a good coffee and muffin/croissant while waiting for the rope to drop.
Here are my restaurant recommendations:
DL:
- Bengal Barbecue (QS) - Meet on a stick. I prefer the spicy beef
- Pizza Port (QS)- Nice salads, pasta and pizza. Pizza isn't great but salads and past are good
- Jolly Holiday Baker Cafe (QS) - Sandwiches - Nothing special but better quality food than the rest of the park
- There really aren't any sit down restaurants that are great but if I had to choose I would Blue Bayou. Decent food and fun setting
CA:
- Paradise Garden grill (QS) - Mediterranean - Choose type of meat and sauce. Very tasty and lots of seating
- Carthay Circle (TS) - I haven't been here but hear good things
- Wharf food court is nice because you can get a variety of food. None of it is bad but none of it stands out.
DD
- I'm not a big fan of much here
- La Brea Bakery (TS) is very good - Though t says bakery they have a full menu with dinner entrees. I had the braised short rib last time and it was wonderful
Hotels:
- Napa Rose (TS) wonderful first class food. It is in the Grand Californian
- Trader Sams (TS) Tiki bar - Great drinks and fun atmosphere. Plenty of appitizers that you can make into a meal. Outside the Disneyland hotel
DL:
- Bengal Barbecue (QS) - Meet on a stick. I prefer the spicy beef
- Pizza Port (QS)- Nice salads, pasta and pizza. Pizza isn't great but salads and past are good
- Jolly Holiday Baker Cafe (QS) - Sandwiches - Nothing special but better quality food than the rest of the park
- There really aren't any sit down restaurants that are great but if I had to choose I would Blue Bayou. Decent food and fun setting
CA:
- Paradise Garden grill (QS) - Mediterranean - Choose type of meat and sauce. Very tasty and lots of seating
- Carthay Circle (TS) - I haven't been here but hear good things
- Wharf food court is nice because you can get a variety of food. None of it is bad but none of it stands out.
DD
- I'm not a big fan of much here
- La Brea Bakery (TS) is very good - Though t says bakery they have a full menu with dinner entrees. I had the braised short rib last time and it was wonderful
Hotels:
- Napa Rose (TS) wonderful first class food. It is in the Grand Californian
- Trader Sams (TS) Tiki bar - Great drinks and fun atmosphere. Plenty of appitizers that you can make into a meal. Outside the Disneyland hotel
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I just want to confirm with you guys so I don't screw up. There's no FP at the water parks, right? My plan is to get late ones at a park for after the water park closes and we eat dinner. Just making sure I'm not screwing myself.
Bad Mutha
Footballguy
Thanks for all the Disneyland info, fellas. I really appreciate it. We leave tomorrow for a couple days at the Grand Canyon and then 3 days at DL/DCA. My 4-year old has no idea we're going anywhere besides the Canyon. She's oblivious about Disney even though we've been checking her height every few weeks, watching the free info video Disney sends out and trying on her princess dresses, etc
I'm going to change our Arielle's Grotto World of Color reservation to Carthay Circle based on your recommendations.
I'm going to change our Arielle's Grotto World of Color reservation to Carthay Circle based on your recommendations.
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Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Yeah, stick with the Grotto for a 4-year-old who is trying on princess dresses at the house. Food isn't bad, setting is fun, and you will get 4-6 princess meet-and-greets before and during the meal.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Mendocino Terrace, Sonoma Terrace, and Wine Country Trattoria
Completely meh.
If you just want a place to hang outside for a bit, have an adult beverage, and a little meat and cheese platter, OK. I'd recommend the beer cart over off the boardwalk over it, personally (can't remember the name).
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Ok where do I find discounts/deals and stuff? No clue what I'm doing. Disneyland in mid-Oct. kingdomplanners.com ?
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
For park tickets there really aren't discounts or deals to be found. Disney protects that price pretty well.
There is a wide range of price points available on hotels. Sometimes Disney runs deals on their own hotels - their Website is where to find them.
The unofficial Disneyland discount hotel of this thread is the Park Vue Inn. No frills, but safe and closer to the front gates of the parks than two of the three Disney-owned hotels. Can easily walk to the parks from it.
In mid-October, one things worth investigating is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland. It's a separate ticket for an evening event where characters dress up in Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat stations are set up all over the park. I happen to think the price is worth it because it limits the crowds, but if your kids aren't nightowls it might be a chore.
There is a wide range of price points available on hotels. Sometimes Disney runs deals on their own hotels - their Website is where to find them.
The unofficial Disneyland discount hotel of this thread is the Park Vue Inn. No frills, but safe and closer to the front gates of the parks than two of the three Disney-owned hotels. Can easily walk to the parks from it.
In mid-October, one things worth investigating is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland. It's a separate ticket for an evening event where characters dress up in Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat stations are set up all over the park. I happen to think the price is worth it because it limits the crowds, but if your kids aren't nightowls it might be a chore.
AcerFC
Footballguy
So we were sitting around last night and mrs acer says, we haven't been to Disney in a while. Surprised you haven't been planning. Told her I was concerned with price (just bought a new car and some other expenses) and was also thinking of waiting until HS was completed. Last night she started looking at prices. But she wants to bring her mother so we have to go with a special room or suite.
Quez
Footballguy
I'm considering getting FL residents only weekday passes for $225. We aren't fans of the big crowds anyways, so we will just take off work and do long weekends. Like a Thur or Fri. - Sun. And just hang out at hotel pools on Sat. There is a ton of stuff to do in Orlando besides the parks.
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The Ref
Footballguy
Colts-Freak
Footballguy
Capella
Footballguy
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
I wonder how often this actually happens at the parks, especially during peak seasons. I've seen groups exchange harsh words before, but never fisticuffs.
Also, digging that below the video on that Web page it says "More pleasant Disney experiences" with a list of links.
RBM
Footballguy
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
jb1020
Footballguy
They have for Disneyworld. I got 4 for Oct 29, I think it ran $325.
Also landed reservations at Akershsus one night. This character dining stuff is no joke...tough to book!
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Yeah, folks are learning the importance of booking high-demand dining reservations ASAP.
If you need a dining reservation really badly, I recommend the WDW Table Finder app. It won't book tables for you, but is great at finding tables as they open up.
If you need a dining reservation really badly, I recommend the WDW Table Finder app. It won't book tables for you, but is great at finding tables as they open up.
jb1020
Footballguy
Yeah, we meant to plan ahead a bit better, but I guess our trip was still relatively "last minute" by Disney Standards.
We booked Oct 28-Nov 1 about 3 weeks ago. The only thing we were able to get reservations at that day was Tusker House. We've since gotten Akershsus and The Crystal Palace.
We booked Oct 28-Nov 1 about 3 weeks ago. The only thing we were able to get reservations at that day was Tusker House. We've since gotten Akershsus and The Crystal Palace.
Scoresman
Footballguy
Caesar
Footballguy
I will be there the same night. Tickets for four, and I seem to remember that being the cost as well. I am pretty excited about this, but the reviews I read from last year make it seem like they are letting more and more people into the park for it, so the draw of lower crowds might not be what it once was.
jb1020
Footballguy
Nice! Yeah, I read a little bit about it...I haven't seen any review where someone regretted going. I'm down for whatever.
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Bunch of reservations for Food & Wine Festival events that were supposed to post tomorrow morning are live right now. Burger Block Party, Beverage and Mixolpgy Seminars, demos, What's Cooking With.
I know we have our share of Food and Wine Destival enthusiasts.
I know we have our share of Food and Wine Destival enthusiasts.
SwampDawg
Footballguy
For what it's worth a few opinions from our trip the 11th to 18th
Housing: We rented a house because we had the in-laws along as well as my wife's aunt and her 12 year old cousin who cam over from the Tampa area. Rented this place http://www.villasatkissimmee.com/rentalsearch/villahouse-kissimmee-wi-fi-356 and it was great. I know staying on properties is convenient but if we had gotten 3 rooms it would have cost more plus the wife and i would have had our kids in our room and no privacy. If it had been just the 4 of us we likely would have stayed at the parks but traveling with the extended family I highly recommend the house. Only annoyance was the pool door alarm that my father in law tripped about 5 times when people were sleeping. Great location for the parks we did, 15 minutes to Sea World and 20 to Universal, and that is time until you are parked.
Flights: Flew Allegiant into Orlando/Sanford, yes it added an extra 30 minutes drive to and from the airport down there then Orlando International but I saved more then that time with only a 30 minute drive to Allentown on my end instead of an hour plus with traffic of having to fly out of Philly. In addition the security lines in Allentown are 10 minutes when busy versus Philly which is always a delay.Flights down and home were both right on time.
Parks: We did the Universal/Sea World 14 day pass (they don't do a 7 day) since we had done Disney 3 years ago. We had never been to either Universal park so it was all new to us. My older son (11) loves roller coasters so he was thrilled, my younger son (8) is afraid of heights so he sticks to the lower rides but still found plenty to go on. J gave the Hulk a big thumbs up at Islands of Adventure, said Harry Potter was ok and was in love with the Manta coaster at SeaWorld. He was in line to ride Rock It (next group to get on) when they closed it for weather in the area. My personal favorites (not a coaster fan) were Transformers 3D and Bluto's Barge, needed that cool down with the heat. We also really enjoyed Men in Black, it was a little dated but being interactive was cool. Jurassic Park was fun but I thought they could have done a little more with it. My biggest disappointment was the Minion ride, with the movie just out I expected more given it was the longest wait in the park. The shows in Universal (Sinbad Stunt Show and the Movie Animal show) were ok but nothing great, the shows at Hollywood Studios were much better. The Harry Potter area was cool just from the way they had it done and you almost felt like you were there. I will say on Sunday night just my wife and I went and around 8pm you could have walked onto any ride in 5 minutes.
SeaWorld we had actually been to just last year when we stayed an extra day after my wife's grand mothers funeral. I love Sea World, I enjoy the shows and just the way the park is laid out. We got to see Shamu this time as we just happened to hit one of the two weeks the show goes dark last time and we also got to do the Empire of the Penguins ride which was closed last time we went. As I said my older son thought the Manta was the best coaster he has been on. It's also a more relaxed day which is nice after a few days of hustle bustle at the other parks.
Shows: Went to see Blue Man group at City Walk, awesome show. I would highly recommend it. Really cool for adults as well as kids. My 8 year old who is never really excitable with a show of any sort was on his feet clapping and dancing just caught up in it. It's interactive and fun.
Beach: Went over to Cocoa Beach one day because my wife has a good friend that lives over there. Can't say enough about the beach there. If you are use to the Mid Atlantic Maryland and OBX beaches it's totally different no steep drop off so you can go 50 yards out and be waste deep, water is much warmer, great free public parking, parks and bath house plus of course the big Ron Jon surf shop. Had a great dinner on the water in Port Canaveral.
Karting: If you are into racing at all check out the Orlando Kart Center http://orlandokartcenter.com/ the place is a blast. This isn't your boardwalk karting so if that is what you want then go somewhere else. They have a 5 foot minimum height and I wouldn't recommend it for kids unless they have some experience driving something (ATV's. dirt bikes, etc.), my son races karts so he had a blast beating the adults he ran against. We were over 40 mph through the speed trap and when you are 2 inches off the ground it seems even faster.
Overall: Fun trip, parks weren't too crowded for the most part although we did get in the middle of some large Brazilian teenage groups a few times that got a bit overbearing. We'll probably do Disney again in 3 or years when the kids are like 14 and 11 with just us and stay on site. They'll be old enough then to do some stuff on the resorts by themselves. I don't see how some people do this as their big trip every year. Next year is either California, Bahamas or OBX for us.
Housing: We rented a house because we had the in-laws along as well as my wife's aunt and her 12 year old cousin who cam over from the Tampa area. Rented this place http://www.villasatkissimmee.com/rentalsearch/villahouse-kissimmee-wi-fi-356 and it was great. I know staying on properties is convenient but if we had gotten 3 rooms it would have cost more plus the wife and i would have had our kids in our room and no privacy. If it had been just the 4 of us we likely would have stayed at the parks but traveling with the extended family I highly recommend the house. Only annoyance was the pool door alarm that my father in law tripped about 5 times when people were sleeping. Great location for the parks we did, 15 minutes to Sea World and 20 to Universal, and that is time until you are parked.
Flights: Flew Allegiant into Orlando/Sanford, yes it added an extra 30 minutes drive to and from the airport down there then Orlando International but I saved more then that time with only a 30 minute drive to Allentown on my end instead of an hour plus with traffic of having to fly out of Philly. In addition the security lines in Allentown are 10 minutes when busy versus Philly which is always a delay.Flights down and home were both right on time.
Parks: We did the Universal/Sea World 14 day pass (they don't do a 7 day) since we had done Disney 3 years ago. We had never been to either Universal park so it was all new to us. My older son (11) loves roller coasters so he was thrilled, my younger son (8) is afraid of heights so he sticks to the lower rides but still found plenty to go on. J gave the Hulk a big thumbs up at Islands of Adventure, said Harry Potter was ok and was in love with the Manta coaster at SeaWorld. He was in line to ride Rock It (next group to get on) when they closed it for weather in the area. My personal favorites (not a coaster fan) were Transformers 3D and Bluto's Barge, needed that cool down with the heat. We also really enjoyed Men in Black, it was a little dated but being interactive was cool. Jurassic Park was fun but I thought they could have done a little more with it. My biggest disappointment was the Minion ride, with the movie just out I expected more given it was the longest wait in the park. The shows in Universal (Sinbad Stunt Show and the Movie Animal show) were ok but nothing great, the shows at Hollywood Studios were much better. The Harry Potter area was cool just from the way they had it done and you almost felt like you were there. I will say on Sunday night just my wife and I went and around 8pm you could have walked onto any ride in 5 minutes.
SeaWorld we had actually been to just last year when we stayed an extra day after my wife's grand mothers funeral. I love Sea World, I enjoy the shows and just the way the park is laid out. We got to see Shamu this time as we just happened to hit one of the two weeks the show goes dark last time and we also got to do the Empire of the Penguins ride which was closed last time we went. As I said my older son thought the Manta was the best coaster he has been on. It's also a more relaxed day which is nice after a few days of hustle bustle at the other parks.
Shows: Went to see Blue Man group at City Walk, awesome show. I would highly recommend it. Really cool for adults as well as kids. My 8 year old who is never really excitable with a show of any sort was on his feet clapping and dancing just caught up in it. It's interactive and fun.
Beach: Went over to Cocoa Beach one day because my wife has a good friend that lives over there. Can't say enough about the beach there. If you are use to the Mid Atlantic Maryland and OBX beaches it's totally different no steep drop off so you can go 50 yards out and be waste deep, water is much warmer, great free public parking, parks and bath house plus of course the big Ron Jon surf shop. Had a great dinner on the water in Port Canaveral.
Karting: If you are into racing at all check out the Orlando Kart Center http://orlandokartcenter.com/ the place is a blast. This isn't your boardwalk karting so if that is what you want then go somewhere else. They have a 5 foot minimum height and I wouldn't recommend it for kids unless they have some experience driving something (ATV's. dirt bikes, etc.), my son races karts so he had a blast beating the adults he ran against. We were over 40 mph through the speed trap and when you are 2 inches off the ground it seems even faster.
Overall: Fun trip, parks weren't too crowded for the most part although we did get in the middle of some large Brazilian teenage groups a few times that got a bit overbearing. We'll probably do Disney again in 3 or years when the kids are like 14 and 11 with just us and stay on site. They'll be old enough then to do some stuff on the resorts by themselves. I don't see how some people do this as their big trip every year. Next year is either California, Bahamas or OBX for us.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
More DHS destruction rumors.
One Man's Dream rumored to be ending soon. Exhibits and displays to be relocated.
Voyage Of The Little Mermaid show also on the chopping block.
Rumored last day of those attractions is September 27 so work on new stuff can begin in October.
One Man's Dream rumored to be ending soon. Exhibits and displays to be relocated.
Voyage Of The Little Mermaid show also on the chopping block.
Rumored last day of those attractions is September 27 so work on new stuff can begin in October.
Capella
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
It is still a rumor at this point. One way to check up on it is through the FP+ selector for DHS when your FP+ reservation window opens. If you can't book a FP+ for Voyage Of The Little Mermaid, the chances of it closing before your visit are very real. It's a good show, especially if you have fans of the source material in your party and/or you dig semi-aquatic fumder. However, FP+ for it rarely dry up. If you can't book one, or don't even list it, beware the shutdown.And you are far from the only one questioning why to attend DHS at all if they are closing #### left and right. It's a fair question.Bruce Dickinson said:Ah, wonderful. We get to DHS literally 3 days after this and I have a little girl who adores Little Mermaid. Why are we going to DHS again?
AAABatteries
Footballguy
As long as they aren't getting rid of the cinnamon rolls at Starring Rolls then I'm good.
Uwe Blab
Footballguy
Hmmm, thanks a lot for the info. I can, indeed, still book a fast pass for it. Hopefully its just a rumor for now and it'll still be around in early October. Interestingly enough I had noticed a few attractions that wouldn't let me book a FastPass like Primeval Whirl (wasn't going to book it, but noticed it) and Lights, Camera, Action. I think the latter is going away and the former is down for maintenance.It is still a rumor at this point. One way to check up on it is through the FP+ selector for DHS when your FP+ reservation window opens. If you can't book a FP+ for Voyage Of The Little Mermaid, the chances of it closing before your visit are very real. It's a good show, especially if you have fans of the source material in your party and/or you dig semi-aquatic fumder. However, FP+ for it rarely dry up. If you can't book one, or don't even list it, beware the shutdown.And you are far from the only one questioning why to attend DHS at all if they are closing #### left and right. It's a fair question.Bruce Dickinson said:
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Epcot Garden Grill is adding breakfast later this year, possibly by November.
So that's another character breakfast in Epcot that can be booked before the park opens, and is conveniently located near Soarin'.
Garden Grill gets overlooked at Epcot because of all the great eats at the World Showcase, but you get to meet Mickey & Friends in farming gear, and the revolving layout actually shields you from most of the other diners - it's one of the few sit-down restaurants in the parks where you don't feel surrounded by other park goers.
So that's another character breakfast in Epcot that can be booked before the park opens, and is conveniently located near Soarin'.
Garden Grill gets overlooked at Epcot because of all the great eats at the World Showcase, but you get to meet Mickey & Friends in farming gear, and the revolving layout actually shields you from most of the other diners - it's one of the few sit-down restaurants in the parks where you don't feel surrounded by other park goers.
Uwe Blab
Footballguy
You folks in this thread know of any good spot to find slightly shtick-y Disney shirts? Looking to grab a few for the heck of it for our trip in a couple of months. So far I found and kinda like these two for me:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/shoeboxmemories/works/13640683-gastons-gym-roughly-the-size-of-a-barge?grid_pos=2&p=t-shirt
http://www.redbubble.com/people/insider/works/14143792-walter-mouse?p=t-shirt&style=mens&body_color=royal_blue&print_location=front
And this one for the wife:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/nibiruhybrid/works/15309055-today-is-leg-day-mermaid-gym-run?p=t-shirt&style=womens&body_color=baby_blue&print_location=front
Would love to see more/get better ideas.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/shoeboxmemories/works/13640683-gastons-gym-roughly-the-size-of-a-barge?grid_pos=2&p=t-shirt
http://www.redbubble.com/people/insider/works/14143792-walter-mouse?p=t-shirt&style=mens&body_color=royal_blue&print_location=front
And this one for the wife:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/nibiruhybrid/works/15309055-today-is-leg-day-mermaid-gym-run?p=t-shirt&style=womens&body_color=baby_blue&print_location=front
Would love to see more/get better ideas.
Capella
Footballguy
Did you happen to do a Disneyland write up? I thought you had but I cannot find it.
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The Ref
Footballguy
simsarge
Footballguy
Anyone with any insight on the bennies that go along with staying in 'Official" resort properties? We have Shades of green reseravations for the end of the month. But I was wondering if we switched to one of the disney hotels, if there were advantages that'd offset the price difference.
Traveling with the wife (the main Disney fan) and 12 YO daughter (hopefully no Dwarf F-Bombs) and 7 YO son.
thx
Traveling with the wife (the main Disney fan) and 12 YO daughter (hopefully no Dwarf F-Bombs) and 7 YO son.
thx
jb1020
Footballguy
Yeah, my wife and I are struggling with costumes. We can't do our Brittney Spears-K Fed schtick that was awesome in 2006.
I don't know if they have always had breakfast at Be Our Guest, but a friend sent me a text the other night and said it was opening up. We looked and they had all kinds of times available for late October early Nov.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
My wife and I are going to do dog costumes for MNSSHP, either Pongo & Perdita from 101 Dalmatians or Lady & The Tramp. The Mrs, a redhead, has an Ariel costume, but she says that is retired.
We also considered Mr Incredible & Elastigirl, Simba & Nala, and Woody & Jessie.My daughter is plotting a heel turn this Halloween: her costume history includes powerful female heroes like Hermoine Granger, Annabeth Chase, and Merida, but I think she's leaning Malificent this time around.
BOG Breakfast is relatively new, IIRC it kicked off right before the summer season. They only recently decided to extend it beyond summer, so those fall dates just opened up.
If you go, pre-order your meal if you can. You will pass a LOT of people in queue with your food already ordered and get seated faster.
