Originally Posted By Sasquatch I have a family trip with my dad, brothers, and some of our younger kids (7 kids, ages 3 to 7, but most are in the 3-4 year age range) We are staying at the Grand Californian, and arriving Saturday, 11/28. We're not going to the parks that day, and I wanted some advice on what to do at the Hotel. We already have reservations at Goofy's Kitchen for that night, but was hoping for some other ideas. Thanks!
Originally Posted By Moedad Go out into DTD and listen to the musicians. Throw coins in the water features. Get a Jamba Juice. Go see a movie at the AMC. Go out to the plaza and watch the fireworks at 9:25.
Originally Posted By sjdimon Neat - the GC is right in the middle of the action. With Downtown Disney on one side, and Disney's California Adventure on the other, there is always a lot to see and do there. The pool is a lot of fun - and as has already been mentioned, it's a lot of fun to walk around Downtown Disney. With so many younger children, be sure to check out the World of Disney Store, as well as the Lego Store. Over at the Disneyland Hotel, there is a nice arcade area, and the Neverland Pool is well worth taking a look at (I don't know if you can actually *use* the Neverland Pool since you are not actually staying at the Disneyland Hotel - but your Grand California Room Key should get you into the area). Finally - I applaud you for planning a "down day" during your vacation - sometimes with these Disney trips we just go-go-go and feel like we have to be at a Park as soon as they have opened and stay until they have closed. After all, it *is* a vacation. Have a great time - take loads of pictures, and be sure to post a Trip Report once you are back home.
Originally Posted By sjdimon Oh yes - GREAT choice going to Goofy's Kitchen. That is one of our family favorites (and we range in age from 2 to 85 (and the 85 year old loves it just as much as the 2 year old does!))
Originally Posted By Sasquatch I'm a regular, but have never stayed at the Grand Californian. Most of my trips involve sleep only at the hotel, and the rest of the tim in the park, so it's nice to have a day to just enjoy everything around the parks. Besides, I'm thinking Saturday will be a mad house.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub The lobby is very relaxing and just exploring the hotels can be fun.Be sure to check out the fireplace in the lobby outside the lobby and in the bar. Also the Grand has a pianist and storytellers in the lobby every night.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss The Grand Californian has activities specially for kids, but I can't say exactly what they are since I have no children of my own. I've seen craft tables set up for the kids. They also apparently have an evening program called Pinocchio's Workshop, but it is only for kids aged 5-12 (and there is an hourly fee): <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/hotels/recreation/listing?name=PinocchiosWorkshopListingPage" target="_blank">http://disneyland.disney.go.co...tingPage</a>
Originally Posted By syh There is a daily treasure hunt for kids at the Grand Californian and I think a tour of the hotel. When you check in, they'll give you a list of the day's activities. I love sitting by the huge fireplace with a hot chocolate (or something stronger) listening to the piano player. And Downtown Disney is right outside the door! You'll have a great time. We stay at the Grand Californian every year and will be there again in less than four weeks! Have a great time!
Originally Posted By LuLu The tour is neat, they point out all sorts of little details. Take it if it's offered while you're there! And yes, Saturday should be crazy at the parks. By Sunday night the madness will have subsided a bit. The next few days will be a ghost town by comparison Enjoy!!
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin Last Thursday a friend and I ate at Storyteller's after DCA closed (6ish). Then we went to sit by the hotel fireplace. They were just finishing the storytelling. It looked great for kids - s try to hit that. There were kids out in the pool even at that time too - to cold for me. Then we sat by the fireplace in the rocking chairs and listened to the pianist. It was wonderful.
