Looking for a hotel near Disneyland?

Reader seeking hotel advice near Disneyland:

Okay, this email was actually sent to my sister-in-law who sent it on to me to answer, since I’m more of a traveler. I edited it a bit for brevity.

I am planning a holiday to the USA with my husband and three children (daughter aged 11, son aged 9 and daughter aged 6).

We are planning to go to Disneyland (Anaheim) and I wonder if you have any recommendations regarding accommodation. I like the idea of staying onsite so that we can come and go as we please or as to the children’s need for rest. (As well as the fact my husband gets sick on any ride that spins!!)

I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Julie

And here is my response:

I am so excited for your trip! California is BEAUTIFUL and your kids are great ages for traveling, so you are bound to have a fantastic time!

When we visited Disneyland last March, we went with a friend who had been several times and we stayed off property at this Sheraton.

The hotel offered a free shuttle service to the park, as most hotels do. The rooms were on the larger size and the ride to the park was quick. Check in was easy and although our rooms weren’t ready when we arrived (at 11 am– too early to expect them to be ready) we were in the park within 30 minutes of arriving at the hotel, thanks to how close it is and how efficient the staff was there.

If you want to stay onsite, though, my friend whom I traveled with, and who has been to Disneyland many, many times, highly recommends staying at the Grand Californian.

Out of the three options onsite, this one is the most luxurious and has an entrance right from the hotel into the park. Plus, staying onsite has a host of other benefits like extra Magic Morning Early Entry (when resort guests get into the park before the general public!) and amazing details and magic that Disney never overlooks. Plus, staying onsite means you can slip back to the room for a nap, or after your husband has been spinning on the Mad Tea Party a bit too much.

I’m not sure what your travel budget will allow, but we have found that paying the extra fee for Concierge Level at Disney properties has been well worth it. My friend who has stayed at this hotel agreed that the Concierge Level at the Grand Californian has a lot to offer. The lounge there offers breakfast, snacks, and light fare and drinks at dinnertime. (The food offered is plenty for breakfast and quite generous at other times, too.) Plus, she said you can watch the fireworks right from the Concierge Lounge (while munching or sipping drinks including wine.)

I hope this helps!

If you have any family travel questions, please feel free to email me anytime and I’ll see what I can do to help.

Related Posts:

• Disneyland vs. Disney World
• You can be a Disney VIP, too
• Experiencing the best at any Disney theme park
  
• Destination Snapshot: Santa Barbara
• Destination Snapshot: San Francisco

Filed under California | Tags: Anaheim, California, Disneyland, Disneyland hotels | Comments (2)

You can be a Disney VIP, too

**For a price.

Last weekend I had the most exciting, magical Disney experience I could ever hope for.

While at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, one of my conference roommates won a night in Cinderella’s Castle and invited 5 of us to join her for an amazing  overnight VIP experience.

Sure, sleeping in Cinderella’s Castle right in the middle of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom was incredible enough, but we also had VIP treatment and backstage tours hosted by enthusiastic, friendly and super-knowledgeable cast members.

Steve was our first guide and he was a walking, talking encyclopedia of all things Disney. Plus he was funny, polite and just a blast in general.

He told us more stories than I’ll ever remember and tons that I will never forget.

Like when we were standing in the secret first floor of Walt Disney World, looking at black and white photographs and he told us the story of how Walt Disney World became Walt Disney World instead of Disney World:

Basically Roy Disney, Walt’s brother, was expected to take the stage to dedicate the park. But he just wouldn’t get up, go in front of the cameras and do it. He said he just couldn’t do it without his brother. You see, Walt was the creative guy and Roy was the business man. Since Walt had passed, Roy was concerned that people would  associate the park with him alone, when it hadn’t just been him.

The clock was ticking. The show needed to go  on. The park needed to be dedicated on live TV, but Roy wouldn’t get up.

“I can’t do this without my brother,” He was overheard saying.

A castmember went to get Mickey Mouse.

Eventually Roy took Mickey’s hand and walked onstage and dedicated what was supposed to be Disney Word as Walt Disney World so that his brother would be ‘in’ the park and Roy wouldn’t get sole credit.

I had no idea. And that is one story I will never forget.

Steve also shared the story behind every single ride we rode, explaining that Disney was first movie makers, not theme park makers, so every ride was, and still is, created like a movie with a storyline and sub plots.

Just listening to him share the stories and point out the details on the rides was amazing in itself. The next time I ride each of those rides, I am going to be looking for more evidence of the stories he told. I’m also going to be searching for the hidden Mickeys he pointed out and hunting for more.  And I’m going to score big on the Buzz Lightyear ride, because he pointed out a few high-point targets there, too. (I plan to share those with you in a later post so you can wow your kids.)

Exploring with park with Steve also got us near the front of every ride line… we started calling him the “Human Fastpass.”

When I learned that I could return to the park with my family and pay for such an experience, I couldn’t help but to ask more. Before this, I thought the concept of hiring a guide for Walt Disney World was a bit silly, but now, I am sold on the idea.

When asked, Steve explained that hiring a guide from Guest Services costs between $175- $215 an hour for one park or $290- $315 an hour for all four parks with a continuous six hour minimum. The ranges are because of different seasons. A maximum of 10 people can tour with one guide. You can book your guided experience up to three months in advance and the tours do sell out, so if you are thinking of booking, do not delay.

With a guided tour, your guide will use his or her knowledge of the park to know what rides to ride when and will collect your Fast Passes for you to minimize waiting. They also know the prime spots to sit during shows and will answer any question you may have about anything Disney. Plus, just like Steve, each Guest Relations guide has a stockpile of Disney information they would love to share with you. And the stories are interesting and beautiful, I promise!

Plus, with any VIP package you get prime seating for the fireworks and parades and that, my friend, is a true value!

To be honest, I am not a bargain hunter. I don’t like to throw money away, either, though. And when I first heard that a friend of mine hired a guide to take her and her kids through the park a few years ago, I thought she might have gone a bit over the top. But after having a taste of the experience first with Steve Friday night and then with Michael Saturday morning, I would say it is definitely worth it if you can swing it. You will minimize wait time, experience the best of Disney, and get the stories behind the stories. Hiring a guide is most definitely worth consideration.

Disclaimer: As a guest of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration I was given discounted Walt Disney World hotel rates and tickets to experience the park as well given other tangible gifts. The VIP tour and overnight Cinderella Castle stay was also a gift awarded randomly. My opinions and reviews are my own.

Filed under California, Florida | Tags: Disney, VIP, Walt DSisney World | Comments (6)

Destination Snapshot: Santa Barbara

Want a quick mom’s eye view on a destination? MomsTravelTales.com has you covered with our new collection of Mom-servations on destinations across the globe.

FishMama of Life as Mom is sharing some of her favorite Santa Barbara spots for families today. This mom of six KNOWS family fun and is a Californian herself, so you can definitely trust her.

City or town name:

Santa Barbara, CA

Is there an airport there?

Yes, there is an airport there. United is one of the major airlines. LA International and San Jose are the other closest airports.

Is this a place you have visited more than once? If so, what keeps you coming back?

My husband grew up in Santa Barbara. I went to college at UCSB. We still have family and friends here, but even if we didn’t, we’d still want to visit. It’s beautiful.

What makes this place great for families to visit?

Beautiful parks, beaches, bike paths, and nature trails make this an ideal place for families. There are also a number of museums and attractions worthy of visits, including the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Botanic Garden, Mission de Santa Barbara, the Natural History Museum and the Ronald Reagan Ranch.

How long should a family plan to stay to hit the highlights?

A day in Santa Barbara is a blast, but if you’re coming from far away, I would allow at least three to four days. There’s no shortage of things to do. The restaurants are fantastic and the weather is usually nice.

What are some of the fun things to do?

Our kids are aged, 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, and 13, so we represent all ages. All of our children have found something of interest at the beach and at the local parks. There is much exploring to do in the nearby hills and creeks. The Zoo is usually a hit with families and boasts a number of picnic spots, so bring your own food. Take a walk on Stearns Wharf or along the Breakwater. Fly kites at Shoreline Park. We make about 3 weekend trips to Santa Barbara each year and haven’t yet exhausted all the possibilities.

What family-friendly places to eat would you recommend? Anything special about them? La Superica Taqueria is a little taco stand on Milpas that serves fantastic, authentic Mexican food. It was a favorite of Julia Child’s. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the place is hopping, so be prepared to wait unless you go early. Blenders in the Grass is a wheat-grass bar that mixes up delicious fruit smoothies that are a meal in themselves. Giovanni’s Pizza is a great place for kids as is Taffy’s Pizza.

What hotels or other places to stay can you recommend? We’ve never had to find accommodations due to having family and friends in the area. But, since Santa Barbara is a popular tourist destination, there are lots of places to choose from with varying price ranges.

If adults can fit in a date night without the kids while there, what would you suggest? It’s been awhile since we actually took a date night, but some of our favorites “back in the day” were Brophy Brothers, The Palace Grill, and Roy. There are so many good restaurants in Santa Barbara, it’s really hard to go wrong.

Wanna know more about FishMama and how she travels the road to joyful motherhood? Visit her at Life as Mom for great ideas and lots of adventures. And visit GoodCheapEats for delicious tips on how to eat well, act your wage and enjoy life.

Filed under California, Destination Snaphots | Comments (2)

Destination Snapshot: San Francisco, California

Want a quick mom’s eye view on a destination? MomsTravelTales.com has you covered with our new collection of Mom-servations on destinations across the globe.

Today my friend Susan shares a bit about one of her annual family vacation destinations. You can tell she sure LOVES San Francisco!

City or town name:

San Francisco, CA

Is there an airport there?

SFO (San Francisco International) is about 25 min South of downtown and is easily accessible by CalTrain or hotel shuttle

Is this a place you have visited more than once? If so, what keeps you coming back?

I lived there for 5 years before I was married, and we try to visit at least once a year. It is simply the most beautiful city in the world! ; )

What were the ages of your children when you visited?

I went with Finnegan by myself for the first time when he was 7 mos old, and we have been back as a family every year since.

What makes this place great for families to visit?

The actual city of SF measures only 7×7 miles. It is easy to get around on foot, cable car, bus, Muni, streetcar, etc. There are A LOT of activities for children and the whole family.

How long should a family plan to stay to hit the highlights?

3-5 days would be good

What are some of the fun things to do? What were your favorites? Why? What ages would these spots appeal to?

Aside from the fairly obvious (cable car ride, Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39, Alcatraz, a drive over Golden Gate Bridge and one down Lombard Street), we always enjoy

• Golden Gate Park for picnics
• museums & the Japanese Tea Garden
• Baker Beach for a day a the beach (however, it is too cold to swim)
• Bay Area Discovery Museum across the Golden Gate Bridge (you take the ferry there: a treat in itself!),
• Yerba Buena Gardens (live outdoor music, street artists, etc.)
• the (always open) Farmer’s Market in and around the Ferry Building
• Crissy Field for flying kites with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop!

What family-friendly places to eat would you recommend? Anything special about them?

San Francisco is a family-friendly town! You can take your children anywhere, but some of our favorite places are Boudin’s on Fisherman’s Wharf (clam chowder or chili in a sourdough bread bowl!), In ‘n Out Burgers on Fisherman’s Wharf, Gordon Biersch on Embarcadero, Cheesecake Factory on Union Square

What hotels or other places to stay can you recommend? We stay right downtown at the Marriott and always like it.

If adults can fit in a date night without the kids while there, what would you suggest? San Francisco has some of the best restaurants in the nation, so you cannot really go wrong.

My all-time favorite is Chez Panisse in Berkeley (you’ll need a car), best sushi is Godzilla on Divisadero at  Bush, best seafood (fancy!) is Farallon, best steak is Ruth’s  Chris on Van Ness, best Italian anywhere in North Beach around Columbus Avenue

Sounds like a lot of fun for families to me! I’ve enjoyed San Francisco in the past as an adult, but now I think it might be time return and bring the kids.
What about you? Have you left your heart in San Francisco?

Filed under California, Destination Snaphots | Comments Off

DisneyLand vs. Disney World: This Florida Native hates to admit it, but…

Last week I had the privilege of visiting DisneyLand for one full day and two partial days.

As a native Floridian (whose parents live near Orlando), I felt a bit like a traitor when my neighbor suggested we add on the days to our trip through Los Angeles to accommodate a quick Disney vacation.

I had visited DisneyLand once before when our children were almost two and three years old and remember feeling disappointed and unimpressed by the quick visit.

But my neighbor, whom I trust, was insistent, so I went along with her suggestion and bought three-day park-hopper passes online for myself and our three children, ages four, six and eight years.  And I am so glad I did. (And I’m glad I bought them on-line in advance– much cheaper!!)

Sure, DisneyWorld is much bigger, encompassing four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) in addition to the dining and entertainment complexes of Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. But DisneyLand’s ‘greatest hits’ collection of rides and attractions and convenience sure won out for us this trip.

Rather than being exhausted from walking from one end of the park to the other, battling crowds and waiting in long lines, we found ourselves reveling in the sunshine and breezes, skipping from ride to ride with only one long wait (Toy Story Mania. It was worth it.).

Right from the start I noticed several differences, yet similarities between the parks.

If you’ve visited DisneyWorld, you have experienced the sheer ‘wow’ factor which hits right as you near the park, with billboards and exceptional signage.

DisneyLand doesn’t have all that.

But as one of the older kid visitors on our trip pointed out, “If you visit DisneyLand first, you’ll still be impressed.”

And I’ll take the trade for the convenience in arrival.

Less than two hours after our plane touched down at the Orange County airport, we were in Disney’s California Adventure eating lunch.  Orlando’s airport is much larger, with longer lines, and the drive to Disney is at least 45 minutes alone.

I was amazed at how quickly we were in the park, ready to have fun. (And yes, we did check in to our hotel before venturing out to the park.)

Unlike the parks in Florida, which require boarding some sort of transportation device to park-hop, the two parks in California, California Adventure and  DisneyLand, are very near. They are joined by a courtyard that takes about 45 seconds to walk from one end to the other. We weren’t traveling with a stroller, but this factor alone would have made pushing a stroller much easier than having to empty it, fold it, and stow it to move. I’ve had to do it in Orlando. Many times.

Perhaps this is part of why I had not been much of a park-hopper in the past. But the close proximity of the parks and the adjacent Downtown Disney changed my frame of mind. The two mornings we were there we grabbed a Jamba Juice from Downtown Disney on our way into the park. At lunchtime, we took a break from the park and relaxed (while being served) at Naples Restarante E Pizzeria, a delightful Italian restaurant also in Downtown Disney.

DisneyLand just felt much more convenient to me, especially with small children. They didn’t mind the walking, perhaps because we didn’t do nearly as much as our trips to DisneyWorld. And yet I know we rode many, many more rides each day we were in the parks than we ever had during a day in the Orlando parks. (And this even includes or final day, a Saturday morning, where we rode 10 rides in less than 3 hours.)

So what does DisneyLand have to offer?

We enjoyed these rides at DisneyLand:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• King Arthur Carrousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough (Loved this excellent use of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! Why don’t they do this in Florida?)
• Storybook Land Canal Boats (Boat ride through fairytale settings.)
• Astro Orbitor (Much like Dumbo, but spaceships.)
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (The ‘new’ 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Get there early to beat the crowds.)
• Captain EO show (featuring Michael Jackson. This took me waaaaay back!)
• Space Mountain (Love this one! We rode it several times back to back!)
• Star Tours (Star Wars adventure ride.)
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Super fun roller-coaster. My four-year old rides it with her hands up, giggling the whole way.)
• Pirates of the Caribbean (Boat ride)
• Gadget’s Go Coaster (Kid-sized roller-coaster in Mickey’s Toontown.)
• and dinner and a show at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue (lots of delicious food!)

and these at California Adventure:

• Soarin’ over California (In California, I could smell the scenes. I don’t remember that at Epcot.)
• Disney’s Aladdin A Musical Spectacular (love, love LOVED this show!!)
• Turtle Talk with Crush (amazed by how Crush had a live Q&A with the crowd from his tank. Very impressive!)
• Toy Story Midway Mania (My neighbor was a bit competitive on this one, as we shot all sorts of things.)
• California Screamin’ (My first ‘real’ roller-coaster ride since becoming a mom!)
• Mickey’s Fun Wheel (Ferris wheel with gondolas that rock and sway)
• King Triton’s Carousel (Four year old request. She loves carousels.)
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (Playground through the trees and tunnels)

There were many more rides we didn’t ride at both parks.

Yes, in all honesty, there are tons more in the Florida parks. But I didn’t miss them at all.

If you are indifferent to the travel time and cost for either park, and you have smaller children, I would highly recommend you giving DisneyLand your first chance. It’s easier to get around, more manageable and the weather is milder, too.

Save all the trekking and older experiences of Epcot and Animal Kingdom for when your kids are older and can choose to stand in lines rather than not understand why they are waiting so long. (And this is written by a girl who LOVES DisneyWorld, has taken her children there at least 5 times and whose whole honeymoon was kicked off by a trip to the real Norway after being inspired by the film at Norway in Epcot.)

I love DisneyWorld, but was amazed at how easy the Disney experience could be in California. And it’s not just because my children are older now… we just took them to DisneyWorld this past November and thought we had a fantastic time. This trip was easier.

And that’s not just because I had a glass of wine in hand while waiting in line for Toy Story Mania. (Ummmm….. you can’t do THAT at DisneyWorld! Swing by the tasting room of the Wine Country Trattoria on your way and grab a glass to go. You can also get beer and margaritas across the way if that’s more your style.)

This Florida native hates to write it, but with younger children, DisneyLand really is the way to go.

Bring an almost-empty backpack for souvenirs, your camera, comfy shoes and, of course your wallet, and be prepared to experience the Magic.

Looking for tips on visiting either Disney? Check out this great roundup of posts on Life as Mom.com. And swing by Works for Me Wednesday for tips on all sorts of things.

Filed under California, Florida | Comments (10)