Originally Posted By Chelledun Okay, Mom and I just got back a bit ago from four nights at Disneyland. This was my first Anaheim visit, after fourteen trips to WDW and one to Disneyland Paris. I don't trust myself to ever finish a day-by-day trip report but I do want to give a brief summary of my observations. 1. The trip was great, great, great. We had so much more fun that we could have imagined. There is a LOT to do at DLR! Mom was hesitant going in because we generally spend so much time at Epcot and, obviously, would not be able to. She couldn't believe how much she actually ended up loving the place. 2. Disneyland boasts some amazing attractions, and so many of them! We especially loved the DL versions of POTC, Buzz Lightyear, and Winnie the Pooh, as well as unique attractions Indiana Jones Adventure, Alice in Wonderland, and of course Mr. Toad (which was my very favorite WDW ride growing up). We also thought the Main Street are was wonderful and spent a lot of time messing with those old arcade games - you know, the Passion Meter and what not. Attractions we did not much care for included the Matterhorn and Roger Rabbit Spin or whatever its called, but there wasn't much at DL that we didn't like. We found DL park to be very aesthetically beautiful and actually loved the outdoor queuing areas and ride entrances/exits. 3. I feel like I should be ashamed of this, but I liked DCA rather a lot! We found plenty to do here to fill our two half-day visits and could have gone back again. My expectations going in were really, really low, I guess. The park looked clean and pretty lively the days we visited. The Aladdin show is definitely one of my favorite attractions I've seen at any of the three resorts I've visited. It was chaotic to get into, but well worth it! I also liked the uncrowded Golden Dreams film for a change of pace. 4. I don't know that I would stay at the PPH again. We encountered some slooow service issues and had a big problem getting to/from our room because the elevators didn't work very well and the fire stairs couldn't be accessed from the ground floor. It was a perfectly fine hotel and the rooms were nice, but for the high price I would probably either pay to upgrade to the Grand Californian or save money by staying at a Good Neighbor hotel on our next visit. 5. We LOVED the Downtown Disney area in Anaheim, and the fact that it could be reached by walking from the parks. Hooray for the Uva Bar at the end of a long day! The GC's Hearthstone Lounge was another favorite. 6. In general, our dining experiences were not quite as good as we typically have at WDW but they weren't bad either. We did totally love Catal. What a great restaurant! Blue Bayou was about as expected, the PCH Grill character breakfast slightly better. Our real loser meal occurred at Wine Country Trattoria. Full reviews of these meals will be coming. We also had some trouble with slow counter service, especially at DCA. It took over forty-five minutes to get our hot dogs at Award Wieners. 7. The weather was WONDERFUL. Can somebody send me some? I think that covers most major things. Really, it was a great trip. I can't wait to go back and I may even go back to DL before WDW so my hubby can experience it.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 <<I feel like I should be ashamed of this, but I liked DCA rather a lot!>> Nonsense! There's no shame in enjoying DCA! How fun to read a report from someone who knows WDW but is visiting DLR for the first time. I loved your fresh perspective (and found myself agreeing with almost all your observations). Glad you had such a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Originally Posted By Chelledun Thanks guys! We really did have a fabulous time. I love going back to familiar, homey places but I love exploring new ones even more. Everything felt so exciting! I guess I shall have to plan a trip to TDL next . That one may have to wait a few years though.
Originally Posted By chickendumpling Glad to hear you had a good time, Chelledun. I definitely agree with you about everything feeling exciting. I've been bunches of times and I still get excited like its the first time, every time! LOL. When you go back you should stay at GCH and get a room overlooking Downtown Disney. I think you'll really enjoy it! Thanks for your report. Though I know it is HIGHLY unlikely, lol, I sure hope you find yourself with some extra time so you'll do a day-by-day report. I'd love to read it!
Originally Posted By Chelledun ^^Thanks! I hope so too. I'm in my last eight weeks of law school and juggling a job as well, so it really depends on how much time I spend procrastinating .
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Great report Chelledun. Overall I have the most fun at DL compared to WDW and DLP. We also love DCA and think DL has the best Downtown district. To me the very best restaurant in the Disney Universe is the Napa Rose (shame you didn't try it) and the very best Disney hotel anywhere is the Grand Californian. As much as I love Epcot and DAK, I actually prefer the DL resort to WDW and DLP. I'll race you to see which one of us gets to TDL first!.
Originally Posted By Chelledun ^^^Ha ha, the race is on! I'll tell my husband we have to go really soon so we can beat Dave . I'm sure that will persuade him to fork out the dough... Not dining at Napa Rose is my only slight regret about my trip, but it also gives me a good excuse to schedule a return trip!
