Originally Posted By u k fan Hi all, I'm hoping you might have some suggestions for me. It's my sister's 16th birthday in a few weeks and then a couple of weeks after that we're going to DLP. I'd like to arrange something special as a birthday treat and I was thinking of perhaps booking her (and Mum) into one of the nicer hotels for a night. We will be staying at Pierre & Vacances (not particularly plush) with some other family members for 4 nights. Sis has stayed at all but Sequoia, New York and DL Hotel, Mum has never stayed in a Disney Hotel at DLP. I would like a hotel with good facilities so that they could make the most out of their stay. DL Hotel seems like the obvious choice, but we have promised ourselves that we will stay there as a treat to all of us sometime this year in honour of DLP's birthday. Which leaves NY or Sequoia Lodge. I'm thinking of the 2 NY will be best for it's facilities. So what I'm asking is does NY seem like a good choice? What kind of facilities could they use compared to say DL Hotel? Is it worth the extra money for whatever's comparable to the Castle Club at the NY (can't think of what they call it)? Does anybody have any suggestions for something else entirely? Where's good for a special meal, baring in mind we don't drink alcohol? Money within reason is not an issue as I want this to be special. And one other thing, this is a surprise so if you are likely to see or speak to my family (Baloo's I'm looking at you!) then please don't mention it!!!
Originally Posted By irishfan I've stayed at the NY hotel and I have to say it's my favourite of all the DLP hotels, to be honest I think in terms of facilites and service it's right up there with the Disneyland hotel. I guess some folk dont like the theme of the hotel (or lack of a "Disney" theme) but I love it. I've had some very nice meals in the Manhattan restaurant. I also love the cocktail bar in the hotel lobby, I know you guys dont drink, but it's a very nice place to relax in the evening, even over a coke. In terms of something extra special to do, thats where I'm stuck, as you've been to the resort so often you must have nearly everything covered. Have you seen buffalo Bills recently? How about a nice evening in Paris itself? Dinner on the champs elyeeses, or a stroll over to the Eiffel Tower to see the light display, which really is beautiful.
Originally Posted By u k fan Visiting Paris is a thought, but I don't know if Mum would want to go without me as she's never been to Paris before and if we were to do something like that it would feel wrong for 3 of us to go without the rest of the group and the youngest is only 3. I think that a night out in Paris wouldn't be as good for him. I would have to speak to others abouyt a day in Paris as we have a couple of first-timers. Something on site, such as Buffalo Bills or a nice meal elsewhere would be easier to coordinate as we could all watch/eat together and then head off to our separate hotels!!!
Originally Posted By irishfan Dinner at the California Grill at the Disneyland hotel would be very nice.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I will need to come back to this after work tonight, but I have some super ideas. Remind me.
Originally Posted By u k fan Just to update, I've booked them into the Sequoia. I got a montana room with a small AP discount and they upgraded them to a lake view room for free! The reservation CM I spoke to was incredibly helpful. I'll be writing to Disney to make sure she gets some recognition. Now I just have to decide do I tell her now or wait until we get there?!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Fantastic Kiz, glad it panned out. Personally I think it would be a great touch if you could quietly sneak away and check in, put the luggage in the room and then later take them for a walk around the hotel claiming you have never been down the halls and wanted to see the views. Walk by the room - insert the card and voila!
Originally Posted By u k fan I was kind of thinking of something similar myself. I've set Genesis a task, by dinner tonight she has to name 1) 3 ships mentioned in POTC:COTBP 2) 5 villians sidekicks, henchmen or minor villians whose names end in a vowel (not actual main villains) 3) 10 Disney Hotels/Resorts from around the world If she can she gets a bonus present and for that bonus present I've written down the booking confirmation number in a Disney card. So she'll get the present, but not know what it is!!!
Originally Posted By chickendumpling Wellll, I'm on the edge of my seat!!! What happened? Was she able to answer? Did she get the bonus? I'm so excited for you guys! You're gonna have a great time!
Originally Posted By u k fan Yes, she did answer, but no she doesn't know what the extra present is yet. I'm now trying to figure out the logistics of getting their stuff up into the room without them knowing. The hotel we are staying at is at least one bus ride away. I'm sure I'll think of something!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I think and early morning cab ride before Genesis wakes up could be a cool way to do it?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Take second ones along - buy some cheap stuff from the pound shop (or decent ones) and take those along.
Originally Posted By u k fan Perhaps what I ought to do is say that I'm going out early for a walk to do a bit of early morning shopping. Then I can just text to say that I got carried away, didn't realise the time, and I'll meet them at the park before they go in. Then I can get a cab, bus, train or whatever to the Hotel. Where I can leave the bag until later. I assume it would be too early to check in, but I can do that before dinner while they have a drink!!!
Originally Posted By sarahwithbaloo Remember that as an AP holder you can leave any baggage at the park for free or left luggage at the SL can hold it for you too!
Originally Posted By u k fan No, I can't leave luggage at the park for free. I don't have the super-de-dooper dream passport and unless things have changed that's something that fantasy pass holders can't do. If needs be I'll just pay though as it's not expensive!!!
