Originally Posted By ABBY We left after work on Thursday, driving from the norhtern California valley. Stopped at Anderson's pea soup for the traditional bowl of soup and salad. We probably will not drive again as the traffic was terrible. I can't believe that there are so many cars/trucks in the middle of nowhere on I-5 ! Don't let anyone tell you that gas prices are keeping people from driving. Got to the Anaheim Hilton around 8:45pm. I was a little concerned about staying here as it has been getting terrible reviews but our experience was great. We were in one of the newly refurbed rooms on the 6th floor. It was 9:30 or so and I was ironing a shirt when Matt says, "we better go find aout about the ART passes so we can get rested up for tomorrow". When I told him it didn't matter because I wasn't going to be able to sleep with all that banging anyways. After hearing all the stories about the construction I just assumed that's what it was. Matt says, "I think it's just the fireworks from DL". Got a good laugh out of that as it was and the hotel was very, very quiet for the rest of our stay. Very comfy beds too! The next moring we got our ART passes and were waiting for it to arrive. It was 7:15 and still not there. A very nice valet from the hotel told us he was getting off work and would drop us by the front gate. We took him up on it. Once at DL we had to wait at the security checkpoint as it didn't open until 7:30. I don't remember having to do this before. Were 2nd in line at the DL gates. Enjoyed DL all morning - the crowds were very light. We headed over to DCA until about 3pm when we took ART back to the hotel to change for Dinner at Napa Rose. Had a super time there, our server was wonderful (Steven, I think) it was probably the best meal I have ever eaten. After Napa Rose we headed back to the parks and stayed until closing at midnight. Highlights of our trip were Toy Story - we had so much fun on this. I got a score somewhere in the vicinity of 117,000 and Matt got 133,000. We would have liked to do it again, but never got to it as we were there for one day only. Using the single rider line for Screamin. I don't think we waited for even a minute and both got on the same coaster. Having a dole whip while at the Tikki room
Originally Posted By momofbuzzfan What a fun trip! We finally tried Dole Whips on our last trip after reading so much about them on LP....and we were not disappointed! That is great that you got to eat at Napa Rose. And I'm glad your food was good. We drive down from Nor Cal too. DH & I always drive down on 99, but my parents and my sister (who leave from the same city on the same day) always take I-5 just for Anderson's. Its part of their tradition to eat there. But we always seem to have much less traffic and a shorter drive time.....so this year they may go 99. I like Andersons too...so I just buy their split pea soup sold at the grocery store...
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove I'm a sucker for a trip report...can't resist 'em. Thanks for posting yours! So glad you enjoyed the Napa Rose. That will definitely be somewhere in my future, too. And the Dole Whip....
Originally Posted By ABBY momofbuzz, we have driven 99 too - it is a more interesting drive, but it always seemed to take a little longer (although I don't think we ever officially timed it). Do you find it takes you less time on 99 than your family members who drive I-5 ? Sothisislove, I love reading the trip reports too. Keeps me from missing DL so much when I can read about the fun that others have had. You definitely must get a Dole whip !!
Originally Posted By momofbuzzfan We always beat our I-5 family members when we take 99. But they might stop longer for lunch (Anderson's vs McDonalds where we stop). But I-5 has always had worse traffic north of the grapevine....at least on our 3 trips.
