Since we are staying on Disney property when travelling to Disney World, we will be receiving Magic Bands. To my knowledge, since we live in Canada, we will receive our travel documents by mail and our Magic Bands when we check into the Caribbean Beach Resort.
Magic Bands are still fairly knew to Disney World from what I know, and based on my information about the technology, I really hope that someday they can also incorporate this into Disneyland.
Magic Bands are worn on your wrist and can be customized by choosing your color and adding a name. I have also heard that they sell certain accessories for them in the park! I'm looking forward to seeing these as you get to keep your magic band, and should you visit Disney World again, you are able to use the same magic band!
Magic Bands are all-encompassing and are your room key, your park ticket, and also hold reminders for events in the park, your dining reservations, fastpass plus, dining plan, and can be attached to a card and used for purchases around the park! You couldn't ask for better convenience in a Disney park!
So far, we have only made a few dinner reservations based on which parks we know we want to visit first. As of now, we haven't decided if we want to make more reservations or just play our days by ear. I know we are visiting at a very busy time, especially with the discounts and it being summer, and we are concerned about getting the most out of our table service credits. We are mostly hesitant for two reasons; one, you have to put your credit card on file and you are charged a fee if you don't show, and 2, we aren't sure how busy which park will be on which day and exactly where in the park each restaurant is.
We are definitely giving Liberty Tree Tavern and Rainforest cafe a try. The very day we booked our trip I attempted to book a spot at Be Our Guest restaurant, but it was already completely unavailable. I have heard rumors that you can use a fast pass reservation for a lunch time at Be Our Guest restaurant, and I'm still hopeful that we will be able to use a selection for this.
Fastpass Plus is something that will only be available to people with Magic Bands, and I believe also exclusive to people staying at the resort. Fastpass Plus allows you to make three advance Fastpass selections, from 60 days before your trip onwards. Two of the parks have tiered selections, where different rides and experiences are sectioned into groups where you may only choose one from each group. You are also not permitted to make two selections for the same ride. Once you have used your three fastpass plus selections for that day, you are able to go and make one new fastpass reservation at a time, as a normal guest would do. Most, if not all sites have recommended making your fastpass selections for the afternoon, when the park will be busiest and you will encounter the longest lines.
It also suggests that if you happen to have made a fastpass selection for a ride that turned out to not be busy, to not use your fast pass and instead change it to make use of it somewhere else. If this ever occurs on my trip, I will document it and report back.
All in all, I believe Magic Bands will make our trip that much more pleasant. Don't be afraid to ask any other questions in the comments. If I don't have an answer, I can surely find one for you!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Going to Vegas!
We have another trip on our Itinerary! This time, we will be going to Las Vegas in September to see Katy Perry live in concert!
In our home city, Katy Perry's tickets sold out before we could even get a glance at a ticket. Feeling defeated, my best friend and I weren't sure we would be able to see her in concert. A few hours later, however, she sent me an email from her work.
"I know this is a stretch, but how about we make the trip to Vegas to see Katy Perry in September? They still have decent tickets and it would be cheaper than going to B.C. or Toronto." I thought about it for a minute. I had never been to Vegas before, so this was a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Without another moment's hesitation, I agreed. So we decided to purchase the ridiculously expensive tickets that get us into the preshow party (was worth it for how close to the stage we are!) You can't take money with you when you die and I am a firm believer that experiences are worth infinitely more than material possessions. Plus we get a bunch of cool tour exclusive stuff!
Now we have the task of booking our hotel and flight. We have it narrowed down to two hotels, one that's a more expensive but beautiful hotel, and one almost equally beautiful hotel. Of course I am talking about the Aria (more expensive hotel) and the Tropicana. I'm leaning towards the Tropicana mostly because of it's reasonable prices and the fact that it's right across the street from the MGM Grand Garden Arena (where the concert is being held) Which might be handy when we wander over there after a drink or two ;)
My friend often books through expedia, but I noticed that a common thing for Vegas hotels to do is to offer a cheaper rate than any other travel site if you book directly through the hotel's website. Some even offer up to 30% off just for booking directly with them and pre-paying for the hotel. Coupled with going to a cheap flight website for our flight, this might be the best way for saving money when going to Vegas.
It's always important to explore both and more options when booking vacations if you're searching for the cheapest deal. Vegas is busy 365 days of the year so prices don't often fluctuate too much (except for long weekends, spring break, etc) but this is commonplace for any travel destination. Going in an off season like September is a great time for any travel, as lots of children and even adults have just gone back to school and not nearly as many people will be looking at vacationing at this time.
More info on our booking method will be posted this coming weekend, when my best friend comes home from Mexico!
-Sarah
In our home city, Katy Perry's tickets sold out before we could even get a glance at a ticket. Feeling defeated, my best friend and I weren't sure we would be able to see her in concert. A few hours later, however, she sent me an email from her work.
"I know this is a stretch, but how about we make the trip to Vegas to see Katy Perry in September? They still have decent tickets and it would be cheaper than going to B.C. or Toronto." I thought about it for a minute. I had never been to Vegas before, so this was a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Without another moment's hesitation, I agreed. So we decided to purchase the ridiculously expensive tickets that get us into the preshow party (was worth it for how close to the stage we are!) You can't take money with you when you die and I am a firm believer that experiences are worth infinitely more than material possessions. Plus we get a bunch of cool tour exclusive stuff!
Now we have the task of booking our hotel and flight. We have it narrowed down to two hotels, one that's a more expensive but beautiful hotel, and one almost equally beautiful hotel. Of course I am talking about the Aria (more expensive hotel) and the Tropicana. I'm leaning towards the Tropicana mostly because of it's reasonable prices and the fact that it's right across the street from the MGM Grand Garden Arena (where the concert is being held) Which might be handy when we wander over there after a drink or two ;)
My friend often books through expedia, but I noticed that a common thing for Vegas hotels to do is to offer a cheaper rate than any other travel site if you book directly through the hotel's website. Some even offer up to 30% off just for booking directly with them and pre-paying for the hotel. Coupled with going to a cheap flight website for our flight, this might be the best way for saving money when going to Vegas.
It's always important to explore both and more options when booking vacations if you're searching for the cheapest deal. Vegas is busy 365 days of the year so prices don't often fluctuate too much (except for long weekends, spring break, etc) but this is commonplace for any travel destination. Going in an off season like September is a great time for any travel, as lots of children and even adults have just gone back to school and not nearly as many people will be looking at vacationing at this time.
More info on our booking method will be posted this coming weekend, when my best friend comes home from Mexico!
-Sarah
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
What to Pack for Disneyland - Winter or Summer
Having been to Disneyland park in both summer and winter, I can now say that you need quite a different packing list for each occasion. Winter in California is very moderate temperatures. I don't believe that it ever dropped below zero anytime we were there (but it did SNOW once!) but you want to come prepared, especially if you still want to risk a ride on Splash Mountain.
Winter in Disneyland can be quite nice!
Here are my tips for packing for a WINTER trip to Disneyland:
Now, winter can flip flop a lot in California. Some times, it was very cold and we needed hoodies, jeans, and sneakers; other days, it was so warm that we were wearing shorts and flip flops (still with hoodies in the AM) So here is a list that I recommend fulfilling to ensure all your bases are covered:
-one light hoodie
-one thicker, warmer hoodie
-tank top to wear under in case of weather changes
-jeans
-one pair of shorts or capris
-sneakers (regardless of weather, always the best option for lots of walking)
-sandals or flip flops (great as long as you don't wear them every day!)
-water bottle (I recommend no more than two unless you have a stroller for storage)
-a backpack to fit your needs
-autograph book and long pen (like the ones they sell in the park with Mickey's silhouette on the end- the longer the pen the better so costumed characters can grip it easier!)
- this isn't a packing item, but if you're celebrating a special occasion, be sure to notify someone so you can get a button to wear!)
-sunglasses
-I also recommend putting some of your spending money on a Disneyland gift card, which you can have delivered to your hotel room
These things plus your own essentials will make the perfect list for going to Disneyland in Winter.
Here is my SUMMER Disneyland packing list:
-one pair of jeans
-a few pairs of shorts or capris
-at least one sundress or skirt (if you are a girl)
-SUNSCREEN (OR you will burn. I forgot sunscreen for half of one day and I got a wicked sunburn.)
-sunglasses; it's bright out there!
-tank tops and t-shirts
-lots of hair ties for anyone with frizzy or long hair
-a rain coat in case there is rain forecasted for when you plan to be there. preferably a cheap poncho or something of the like so you can carry it in the backpack.
-sneakers (regardless of weather, always the best option for lots of walking)
-sandals or flip flops (great as long as you don't wear them every day!)
-water bottle (I recommend no more than two unless you have a stroller for storage)
-a backpack to fit your needs
-autograph book and long pen (like the ones they sell in the park with Mickey's silhouette on the end- the longer the pen the better so costumed characters can grip it easier!)
- this isn't a packing item, but if you're celebrating a special occasion, be sure to notify someone so you can get a button to wear!)
-sunglasses
-I also recommend putting some of your spending money on a Disneyland gift card, which you can have delivered to your hotel room.
I hope you find these lists somewhat insightful and let me know if there is anything you would add!
(and yes, I know these lists are not made for families with children!)
Winter in Disneyland can be quite nice!
Here are my tips for packing for a WINTER trip to Disneyland:
Now, winter can flip flop a lot in California. Some times, it was very cold and we needed hoodies, jeans, and sneakers; other days, it was so warm that we were wearing shorts and flip flops (still with hoodies in the AM) So here is a list that I recommend fulfilling to ensure all your bases are covered:
-one light hoodie
-one thicker, warmer hoodie
-tank top to wear under in case of weather changes
-jeans
-one pair of shorts or capris
-sneakers (regardless of weather, always the best option for lots of walking)
-sandals or flip flops (great as long as you don't wear them every day!)
-water bottle (I recommend no more than two unless you have a stroller for storage)
-a backpack to fit your needs
-autograph book and long pen (like the ones they sell in the park with Mickey's silhouette on the end- the longer the pen the better so costumed characters can grip it easier!)
- this isn't a packing item, but if you're celebrating a special occasion, be sure to notify someone so you can get a button to wear!)
-sunglasses
-I also recommend putting some of your spending money on a Disneyland gift card, which you can have delivered to your hotel room
These things plus your own essentials will make the perfect list for going to Disneyland in Winter.
Here is my SUMMER Disneyland packing list:
-one pair of jeans
-a few pairs of shorts or capris
-at least one sundress or skirt (if you are a girl)
-SUNSCREEN (OR you will burn. I forgot sunscreen for half of one day and I got a wicked sunburn.)
-sunglasses; it's bright out there!
-tank tops and t-shirts
-lots of hair ties for anyone with frizzy or long hair
-a rain coat in case there is rain forecasted for when you plan to be there. preferably a cheap poncho or something of the like so you can carry it in the backpack.
-sneakers (regardless of weather, always the best option for lots of walking)
-sandals or flip flops (great as long as you don't wear them every day!)
-water bottle (I recommend no more than two unless you have a stroller for storage)
-a backpack to fit your needs
-autograph book and long pen (like the ones they sell in the park with Mickey's silhouette on the end- the longer the pen the better so costumed characters can grip it easier!)
- this isn't a packing item, but if you're celebrating a special occasion, be sure to notify someone so you can get a button to wear!)
-sunglasses
-I also recommend putting some of your spending money on a Disneyland gift card, which you can have delivered to your hotel room.
I hope you find these lists somewhat insightful and let me know if there is anything you would add!
(and yes, I know these lists are not made for families with children!)
Planning our first trip to DisneyWorld
Welcome all!
I have been to Disneyland three times, and since Disney World is currently having a 30% off hotels during summer, we decided to book a trip to Disney World in Orlando! It's quite a long ways for us, and unfortunately both our flights there and home have layovers, but it saved us heaps of money on a trip that would normally have cost twice as much.
Ever since our Honeymoon in Disneyland last June, going back has been on our minds. But neither of us have been to Disney World, and everyone says it's worth going at least once to experience it. I know it is quite a lot bigger and will be a daunting task, so we gave ourselves an extra day if there is a particular park we find we need to visit twice. We will also be visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as I am one of the biggest Harry Potter fans there is. (Not going to lie, I am looking forward to this the most.)
We are hopeful that the seven dwarves mine cart ride will be open the time we get there so we can give a full report on the experience and the finally completed new Fantasyland. (So exciting!) We will also be trying to focus a major part of our day in Animal Kingdom on the Dinoland U.S.A (my husband LOVES dinosaurs.)
We weighed the options between going to Disneyland and going to Disneyworld and going to Disneyworld was almost the same cost, except it also includes food! That meant that even though we will have painful flights and long days, it will be very worth it. In my opinion, the option for 30% off a hotel in Disney World is worth even more than the free dining they tend to offer once a year during particular low seasons.
As people native to Alberta, I'm sure going to Florida in the middle of summer is going to be very hard on us, so i'm going to be sure that we each have a water bottle, and stay hydrated. We have a mini- backback that we took to Disneyland that we might use again, though my husband said he wouldn't mind carrying a larger backpack this time around (more room for our autograph book and his pins!)
We are going to be staying at Disney World's Carribean Beach resort, which i found to be reasonably priced and more central of a hotel to all the parks compared to the other moderate resorts. At the time of booking, I found that there was not significant enough of a price difference between the value (ie; All Star Music, All Star Movies, etc.) and the moderate resorts for me to take the lower price option. Plus, going to a moderate versus value hotel fills me with the hope that there will be a few less children hanging around. That and from what I can assume about transporting to each park is that having a closer hotel will be much nicer.
That said, I'm still working out the logistics for planning to get to Universal Orlando, but as soon as that is booked I will be doing a post on all the different options, the one we decided to go with, and why.
I have been to Disneyland three times, and since Disney World is currently having a 30% off hotels during summer, we decided to book a trip to Disney World in Orlando! It's quite a long ways for us, and unfortunately both our flights there and home have layovers, but it saved us heaps of money on a trip that would normally have cost twice as much.
Ever since our Honeymoon in Disneyland last June, going back has been on our minds. But neither of us have been to Disney World, and everyone says it's worth going at least once to experience it. I know it is quite a lot bigger and will be a daunting task, so we gave ourselves an extra day if there is a particular park we find we need to visit twice. We will also be visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as I am one of the biggest Harry Potter fans there is. (Not going to lie, I am looking forward to this the most.)
We are hopeful that the seven dwarves mine cart ride will be open the time we get there so we can give a full report on the experience and the finally completed new Fantasyland. (So exciting!) We will also be trying to focus a major part of our day in Animal Kingdom on the Dinoland U.S.A (my husband LOVES dinosaurs.)
We weighed the options between going to Disneyland and going to Disneyworld and going to Disneyworld was almost the same cost, except it also includes food! That meant that even though we will have painful flights and long days, it will be very worth it. In my opinion, the option for 30% off a hotel in Disney World is worth even more than the free dining they tend to offer once a year during particular low seasons.
As people native to Alberta, I'm sure going to Florida in the middle of summer is going to be very hard on us, so i'm going to be sure that we each have a water bottle, and stay hydrated. We have a mini- backback that we took to Disneyland that we might use again, though my husband said he wouldn't mind carrying a larger backpack this time around (more room for our autograph book and his pins!)
We are going to be staying at Disney World's Carribean Beach resort, which i found to be reasonably priced and more central of a hotel to all the parks compared to the other moderate resorts. At the time of booking, I found that there was not significant enough of a price difference between the value (ie; All Star Music, All Star Movies, etc.) and the moderate resorts for me to take the lower price option. Plus, going to a moderate versus value hotel fills me with the hope that there will be a few less children hanging around. That and from what I can assume about transporting to each park is that having a closer hotel will be much nicer.
That said, I'm still working out the logistics for planning to get to Universal Orlando, but as soon as that is booked I will be doing a post on all the different options, the one we decided to go with, and why.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Travelling to Disneyland- Food tips for Disneyland Park (and some Cali Adventure)
A great place to eat in Adventureland is Bengal Barbeque. It always gets great reviews and I can see why. The prices are fair and the meat will be great fuel for your day. (Try the bacon-wrapped Asparagus!) I recommend visiting Bengal BBQ at lunch or dinner, whichever time you tend to eat a smaller meal will be the better time to visit. Don't miss a trip to the dole cart and the Tiki room! It's a good place to get a break, sit in a cool dark place, and rest your feet. You can't have a Disneyland experience without a delicious Dole Whip! (unless you hate pineapple, of course.)
Husband's first Dole Whip!
If you're looking for a nice cold treat and you're sick of eating Mickey ice cream, go for a frozen banana. They are a healthier alternative and stay cold for a lot longer. We both enjoyed frozen bananas while watching Mickey's Magical map (which is a good show to see any time of day.) Frozen bananas are coated in chocolate and nuts, so beware if you have any allergies. You can find many carts around Disney that sell these frozen treats.
If you're looking for a quick and reasonably priced lunch, grab a corn dog. But not just any corn dog! There is a cart located next to the Plaza Inn, on the very end of main street. They batter them fresh and it is hands down one of the best corn dogs I've ever had.
Another great quick and reasonable lunch can be found at Daisy's Diner in ToonTown. They serve personal pizza with appleslices, and last time I ate there I believe it cost 8 dollars. The pizza is so delicious that my mom, brother and I ate there almost every day on our first trip to Disneyland!
If you don't have breakfast booked and you want something quick to eat so that you don't miss the short AM lines, hit up Tomorrowland Terrace. They have lots of choices for a quick breakfast there,but the breakfast burrito was our personal favorite. (and very filling for a moderate price!)
If you're looking for a quiet, out of the way location to eat a quick dinner, try The Hungry Bear Restaurant. They make really decent burgers, but the best part is that their sitting is located in Critter Country; right in the back corners of Rivers of America, where you can watch ducks swim as you eat. You can even catch a glance of them preparing boats for the Fantasmic! show.
Cars Land recently opened in California Adventure, and if you like this movie, I suggest you go check it out! It looks exactly like Route 66 from the movie! The best part is the Cozy Cone motel, where you can get all sorts of food in cones! They have chili, popcorn, and our favorite, Churro Bites. If you like churros but want a unique experience with them, this is the place to go. You get a hearty helping of bite sized churros along with delectable dipping chocolate. (Which is how churros are meant to be enjoyed.) Another great thing they offer here that you can't get anywhere else is Ramones "Pear O'Dice" Soda. As you can imagine from the description, this soda is meant to be pear flavored, yet it is bright purple. My favorite color! I highly recommend this drink, as we went to Cars Land three times through our visit just so we could have a taste of this drink.
Ramones "Pear O'Dice" Soda!
Another great thing to mention is that eating early will almost always benefit you. We tried to grab dinner around 4:30 anytime that we didn't have reservations. Restaurants, even quick service ones, can get busy quickly after 5:00. As for lunch, the best time to eat will probably be around 11 am, or 1:30- 2 pm. We are early eaters, so we always stuck to earlier meals!
Husband's first Dole Whip!
If you're looking for a nice cold treat and you're sick of eating Mickey ice cream, go for a frozen banana. They are a healthier alternative and stay cold for a lot longer. We both enjoyed frozen bananas while watching Mickey's Magical map (which is a good show to see any time of day.) Frozen bananas are coated in chocolate and nuts, so beware if you have any allergies. You can find many carts around Disney that sell these frozen treats.
If you're looking for a quick and reasonably priced lunch, grab a corn dog. But not just any corn dog! There is a cart located next to the Plaza Inn, on the very end of main street. They batter them fresh and it is hands down one of the best corn dogs I've ever had.
Another great quick and reasonable lunch can be found at Daisy's Diner in ToonTown. They serve personal pizza with appleslices, and last time I ate there I believe it cost 8 dollars. The pizza is so delicious that my mom, brother and I ate there almost every day on our first trip to Disneyland!
If you don't have breakfast booked and you want something quick to eat so that you don't miss the short AM lines, hit up Tomorrowland Terrace. They have lots of choices for a quick breakfast there,but the breakfast burrito was our personal favorite. (and very filling for a moderate price!)
If you're looking for a quiet, out of the way location to eat a quick dinner, try The Hungry Bear Restaurant. They make really decent burgers, but the best part is that their sitting is located in Critter Country; right in the back corners of Rivers of America, where you can watch ducks swim as you eat. You can even catch a glance of them preparing boats for the Fantasmic! show.
Cars Land recently opened in California Adventure, and if you like this movie, I suggest you go check it out! It looks exactly like Route 66 from the movie! The best part is the Cozy Cone motel, where you can get all sorts of food in cones! They have chili, popcorn, and our favorite, Churro Bites. If you like churros but want a unique experience with them, this is the place to go. You get a hearty helping of bite sized churros along with delectable dipping chocolate. (Which is how churros are meant to be enjoyed.) Another great thing they offer here that you can't get anywhere else is Ramones "Pear O'Dice" Soda. As you can imagine from the description, this soda is meant to be pear flavored, yet it is bright purple. My favorite color! I highly recommend this drink, as we went to Cars Land three times through our visit just so we could have a taste of this drink.
Another great thing to mention is that eating early will almost always benefit you. We tried to grab dinner around 4:30 anytime that we didn't have reservations. Restaurants, even quick service ones, can get busy quickly after 5:00. As for lunch, the best time to eat will probably be around 11 am, or 1:30- 2 pm. We are early eaters, so we always stuck to earlier meals!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Travelling to Disneyland- Maximizing time in Disneyland park
We did spend most of our time in Disneyland park, as we were too stubborn to get fast passes and were always waiting for that opportune moment when the line was just a little shorter for particular rides.
If you travel during a hot season, I recommend taking a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. You almost always get stuck on the ride, but it's cool inside thanks to all the water. And it's fun! We rode it a total of 6 times in four days, all because the line was constantly under ten minutes. One advantage to also waiting in line for this ride is that they have a couple water fountains where you can refill your bottle or just take a drink!
We bit the bullet and waited about an hour for Jungle Cruise, and it was a relief to get on the boat while it was so hot outside. If you don't want to get a fast pass and aren't afraid of the dark, I recommend riding this while the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle are happening. The cue is almost non existent and every now and then you can catch a view of some of the fireworks! It was a whole different experience to ride Jungle Cruise at night and I would definitely do it again.
Indiana Jones is another popular ride. It is not one I recommend for small children, as the ride can be quite scary. It was lots of fun, but you do get jostled quite a bit! We lucked out on one particular day and only had to wait about an hour in the hot sun. (Which kind of sucked as once you get sent inside you spend almost ten minutes walking through the building just to get down to the ride!)
We wore our buttons every day, and one day we got very lucky. We met a wonderful woman named Pat outside Fantasy Faire (where they hold the princess plays- worth a watch at least once!) And she stopped us once she caught sight of our buttons. We had a beautiful chat where she told us the importance of going on at least one date a month (her husband used to drag her out, and she was always flustered and rushed until that moment that they were finally sitting down to dinner, and she looked forward to it every month.) Finally, she called another cast member over and he told us there was a tradition for married couples visiting the park. He had a little speech that I can't remember for the life of me! (I wish I could) and he presented me with a little plastic version of Cinderella's glass slipper. It was a simple gesture, but I feel like I got something very special that not many others get a chance to receive at the park.
Pat was such a wonderful woman that after this she wrote us some special fast passes for Disneyland Park, that were good for every ride except the Matterhorn! She also instructed the other cast member to take us to Peter Pans' flight so that we wouldn't have to wait in line! Which is wonderful, because Peter Pan's flight is always busy, night or day. They took us through the wheelchair access (aka the ride's exit) And we got on after about five minutes! It was really a special experience.
We decided to use one fast pass for Star Tours, which had changed since the last time I was there, and I didn't actually know until after I got on the ride. My husband and I both get motion sick, mostly in cars. I have to tell you that both of us were very, very close to vomiting on the new ride. I will probably never visit Star Tours again because of it. So I DO NOT recommend this ride to anyone who gets motion sickness!!
Haunted Mansion was not too busy, since I believe they have a genius ride that never stops moving, allowing to get a lot more people through the ride every day. I had only ridden Haunted Mansion Holiday before (I LOVE NBC!) but the traditional Haunted Mansion ride is also wonderful, spirited, and imaginative, and thankfully not scary! (I love horror movies, but going through Haunted Houses? I can't seem to work up the nerve.)
Another great experience we had was at the Plaza Inn- we went there for the character breakfast. It really is the best place to meet lots of characters you don't normally see in the park! We saw Minnie (our third time this trip!) Chip and Dale, Eeyore, Captain Hook, Fairy Godmother, and Tigger! One of our servers also tried to (secretly) give my husband a red rose, and recited a beautiful poem that my husband then repeated back to me! It was cute and I was sad that I had to leave the rose behind in the hotel. (There's no way they would let me take that over the border!)
All these little things were the things that we loved most about our Honeymoon, and really made the experience above and beyond any visit I have had in Disneyland!
If you travel during a hot season, I recommend taking a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. You almost always get stuck on the ride, but it's cool inside thanks to all the water. And it's fun! We rode it a total of 6 times in four days, all because the line was constantly under ten minutes. One advantage to also waiting in line for this ride is that they have a couple water fountains where you can refill your bottle or just take a drink!
We bit the bullet and waited about an hour for Jungle Cruise, and it was a relief to get on the boat while it was so hot outside. If you don't want to get a fast pass and aren't afraid of the dark, I recommend riding this while the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle are happening. The cue is almost non existent and every now and then you can catch a view of some of the fireworks! It was a whole different experience to ride Jungle Cruise at night and I would definitely do it again.
Indiana Jones is another popular ride. It is not one I recommend for small children, as the ride can be quite scary. It was lots of fun, but you do get jostled quite a bit! We lucked out on one particular day and only had to wait about an hour in the hot sun. (Which kind of sucked as once you get sent inside you spend almost ten minutes walking through the building just to get down to the ride!)
We wore our buttons every day, and one day we got very lucky. We met a wonderful woman named Pat outside Fantasy Faire (where they hold the princess plays- worth a watch at least once!) And she stopped us once she caught sight of our buttons. We had a beautiful chat where she told us the importance of going on at least one date a month (her husband used to drag her out, and she was always flustered and rushed until that moment that they were finally sitting down to dinner, and she looked forward to it every month.) Finally, she called another cast member over and he told us there was a tradition for married couples visiting the park. He had a little speech that I can't remember for the life of me! (I wish I could) and he presented me with a little plastic version of Cinderella's glass slipper. It was a simple gesture, but I feel like I got something very special that not many others get a chance to receive at the park.
Pat was such a wonderful woman that after this she wrote us some special fast passes for Disneyland Park, that were good for every ride except the Matterhorn! She also instructed the other cast member to take us to Peter Pans' flight so that we wouldn't have to wait in line! Which is wonderful, because Peter Pan's flight is always busy, night or day. They took us through the wheelchair access (aka the ride's exit) And we got on after about five minutes! It was really a special experience.
We decided to use one fast pass for Star Tours, which had changed since the last time I was there, and I didn't actually know until after I got on the ride. My husband and I both get motion sick, mostly in cars. I have to tell you that both of us were very, very close to vomiting on the new ride. I will probably never visit Star Tours again because of it. So I DO NOT recommend this ride to anyone who gets motion sickness!!
Haunted Mansion was not too busy, since I believe they have a genius ride that never stops moving, allowing to get a lot more people through the ride every day. I had only ridden Haunted Mansion Holiday before (I LOVE NBC!) but the traditional Haunted Mansion ride is also wonderful, spirited, and imaginative, and thankfully not scary! (I love horror movies, but going through Haunted Houses? I can't seem to work up the nerve.)
Another great experience we had was at the Plaza Inn- we went there for the character breakfast. It really is the best place to meet lots of characters you don't normally see in the park! We saw Minnie (our third time this trip!) Chip and Dale, Eeyore, Captain Hook, Fairy Godmother, and Tigger! One of our servers also tried to (secretly) give my husband a red rose, and recited a beautiful poem that my husband then repeated back to me! It was cute and I was sad that I had to leave the rose behind in the hotel. (There's no way they would let me take that over the border!)
All these little things were the things that we loved most about our Honeymoon, and really made the experience above and beyond any visit I have had in Disneyland!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Travelling to Disneyland- Dining Tips and planning time wisely in Cali Adventure
We purchased the dining plan that was available for Disneyland last year- which included one snack, and two quick service meals per day for the four days you spend in the park. It also included three character dining vouchers.
The character dining vouchers were most valuable for us. We purchased our Vacation package about three months before our actual departure date- so I got to planning right away.
I decided most, if not all of our first day should be spent in Disneyland park, as my husband had never been there. I planned our meals based on where I hoped we would be each day. The first night we arrived, we had no dining plans and didn't want to use a park ticket- so we visited Downtown Disney for dinner. We decided to go to Uva, and we sat outside since the weather was amazing.
Dinner drinks at Uva!
I had the greek option, and my husband had their salmon burger- which he couldn't stop talking about! It was all very delicious and a great way to start our first evening in Disney! We took it easy and simply wandered Downtown Disney for a few hours- visiting all the shops and even buying some sparkly Minnie Mouse ears for me.
The next day, we headed for Disneyland park. Even though we had early entry with Magic Morning, we still had to wait in a short line. I insisted we rush straight to the Matterhorn- as I knew lines were always long and this was our best chance to get on without delay! He had a hurried view of Main Street and Sleeping Beauty castle before riding Matterhorn and Finding Nemo! Then we finally stopped at the Tomorrowland main commissary for a breakfast burrito. I had never had one, but I have to say it was delicious! Decently priced and very filling. Our dinner was at Ariel's Grotto, however, so we headed over to the other park in the evening to make our reservation.
This is the only character dining experience I DO NOT recommend. The food was very mediocre, even compared to the quick breakfast burrito we had at the beginning of our day! The waitress almost didn't serve us alcohol (we had valid ID- but I suppose she had never seen an ID from AB before, and told us that next time we should bring our Passports into the park! - um, what?! no way!! I would NOT risk losing my passport just so someone can believe that my MARRIED husband and I are old enough to order a sangria and cider.) Dinner service was slow- and without the vouchers it would have been way to expensive to even consider compared to the food quality. BUT; if the main Princesses are on your MUST SEE list, then this is the perfect place to see them. We were seated outside so it wasn't nearly as noisy (and near the cool water, which was lovely) but we were some of the last to see the Princesses! I have to say, my husband was pretty happy to see Belle, and I was glad to meet Ariel when we first came into the restaurant.
The downside of meeting Ariel before you sit is that it makes waiting for your table a long process- we showed up half an hr early as requested and weren't seated until half an hr after our reservation- that's an hour wait!
Dessert at Ariel's Grotto was the only thing worth photographing- Lava Cake!
Now, we went in mid-June, which is usually considered busy season, but our bus driver told us that the shuttles were unusually empty the past few days, and I could tell in the park. I have only ever been to Disney around Christmas- and the crowds were definitely crazier than they were during our honeymoon.
The next day we had breakfast at the Grand Californian Hotel- and met characters such as Koda, Chip n' Dale, and other outdoor animals! (I hadn't seen brother bear at this point, so I had no clue who Koda was!)
The food was OUTSTANDING. Even months after we were pining for their shredded hashbrowns. I would eat there just for the food, not to mention the atmosphere. Our sever was very friendly and attentive, and it was a buffet, serve yourself setting. It was a great way to start a day we planned to mostly spend in California Adventure.
Here's where I want to mention that I highly recommend starting off your day with fast passes- specifically for hot new attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers- this ride was so popular that fast passes for an entire day would be gone within the first hour of the park opening- madness! (Needless to say, we weren't willing to wait three hours to get on this ride, so we didn't experience it.)
But I also recommend getting a fast pass for Hollywood Tower of Terror (another missed due to very long wait times) and the roller coaster. These rides tend to have the longest wait, as well as Grizzly River Rapids (in the summer of course.) Planning to get these fast passes will ensure you can get on all the best rides.
Don't overlook Toy Story- Midway Mania! It is one of the most fun rides in California Adventure, and to my knowledge they don't offer fast passes, but it's worth a wait.
Ariel's Undersea Adventure- a new addition to California adventure!
Protip- on a hot day, don't be afraid to visit this ride multiple times- it's nice and cool because it's supposed to simulate being under the sea, and the wait time is never long thanks to it's design (constantly moving clamshells, just like in Haunted Mansion!) Not to mention the animatronics will wow you over and over!
My favorite night spent in California Adventure- my husband surprised me with a reservation at Wine Country Trattoria- which come with preferred front row World of Color fast passes! The food was divine- and while we paid with our own money for this meal, the $120 we spent was well worth it for the Filet Mingon and Lamb Shank we had! (Also, the server here didn't have an issue with our Government issued ID, THANKFULLY!)
Filet Mingon
Lamb Shank
If you only have time to see one show in Disneyland/California Adventure, World of Color has to be it. It was the most amazing experience i have ever had in my entire life. The strides that Disney has taken in technology are amazing, and it's definitely showcased here! Set to music from some of their most popular movies, thousands of water fountains shoot out beams of colored water, and they even project scenes from famous movies onto the water! My favorite had to be the addition of fire during a rendition of "He's a Pirate" from POTC! It still brings tears to my eyes to think of this show.
Travelling to Disneyland for a Honeymoon- Staying on Disney Property
Hello to all out there in the great big internet!
I love to travel and haven't been able to do too much of it, until now. This is a blog I want to use not only to document my life, but also my travel and travel tips.
My husband and I visited Disneyland last June for our Honeymoon. We decided we couldn't wait very long and went two days after our wedding.
Our wedding was in Canmore, AB, Canada. We live in Calgary, which is about an hour away. (I will write another post detailing my wedding, planning, and estimated costs!)
So, we stayed in Canmore one more night after the night of our wedding, then checked out with what friends stayed behind, and made the journey back to Calgary. We trusted our possessions that we weren't taking with us to my husband's sister, and she dropped us off at my mothers'. We were on a tight schedule, so as soon as we got back into Calgary we headed straight for the airport. (I had made MR. and Mrs. shirts that said "Just Married" on the back in Disney writing. It made the long day of travelling a little easier!
We got to the airport about two hours before our flight, just in case. We were flying on a Monday, and I wasn't overly concerned about large volumes of people taking flights. We got through customs within an hour (They didn't have many officers working at customs, so this part took the longest.) It's always a little tense when you're going to a new country, as they always try to make you feel uncomfortable. But we simply explained that we were going to Disneyland for our Honeymoon and the officer was a lot more cheerful :)
While waiting for our flight, we decided to get some sushi at the only airport restaurant we could access from international flights. Surprisingly, it was delicious!
This was the first time my husband was going to Disneyland, and only the second time he had been on a plane and left the country! So he was very nervous as airports are still a mystery to him, as well as the process of checking bags and going through customs. I had been to Disneyland twice before, and I have taken planes more times than I can count in my life (first time was at 2 weeks old!)
I was giddier than a schoolgirl, as I knew how amazing Disneyland was. The second I found out that my father was giving us our dream honeymoon as a wedding gift, I became obsessed with planning our trip.
We booked through the Disney Travel CO. ( disneyland.disney.go.com ) Which offers bookings from cities in Canada and the U.S. This came with a few extras, including the shuttle to and from the airport being free, cute CARS themed luggage tags, and a lanyard and pin each (which definitely fueled my husband's eagerness to collect pins!) I found that prices on travel websites were not significantly different enough for me to book elsewhere.
We booked a hotel on Disney property, at the Paradise Pier hotel. We also purchased the dining plan offered at Disneyland, as my father wanted to cover our food costs. I'm going to spend a little time talking about our hotel, and then about the Disneyland dining plan (which has changed since we went.)
This was my first time staying on Disney property while going to Disneyland. It may cost a bit more, but in my opinion it was worth it. You get alternating magic mornings at both parks EACH DAY- rather than just one if you book at a good neighbor hotel. Also, if you need a nap or simply need to shower and change because of how warm it is that day- you're only a short walk away. Paradise Pier is the cheapest of all the hotels on Disney property- and I expected it to always be busy and have kids running through the hallway- much to our surprise it was lovely and quiet, and we had an amazing view of California Adventure and World of Color!
It also seemed to me that to match the beach theme of Paradise Pier that they kept the hotel a litter warmer and more humid inside- it was an interesting touch and it's great for your lungs! The bed was very comfortable and I loved the scent of the complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that I took all the little samples home!
Since we were staying on Disney Property, my husband was also able to surprise me with a Chocolate Lover's gift basket! It was amazing and adorable! Disney hotels offer all sorts of room surprises that you can custom make- or choose from a pre-selected basket, that will be in your room on any of the days that you are in the hotel. You can find their options for In-Room Celebrations Here.
-I believe the one my Husband ordered for me was called "Cheers for Chocolate" and includes a little plush Mickey, three chocolate bars, chocolate covered jelly bellies, an assorted box of chocolates, milk chocolate covered pretzels, milk chocolate malt balls, and chocolate covered nuts. (now replaced by caramels). These are an unnecessary expense, but can really surprise a loved one and make their visit extra special.
I love to travel and haven't been able to do too much of it, until now. This is a blog I want to use not only to document my life, but also my travel and travel tips.
My husband and I visited Disneyland last June for our Honeymoon. We decided we couldn't wait very long and went two days after our wedding.
Our wedding was in Canmore, AB, Canada. We live in Calgary, which is about an hour away. (I will write another post detailing my wedding, planning, and estimated costs!)
So, we stayed in Canmore one more night after the night of our wedding, then checked out with what friends stayed behind, and made the journey back to Calgary. We trusted our possessions that we weren't taking with us to my husband's sister, and she dropped us off at my mothers'. We were on a tight schedule, so as soon as we got back into Calgary we headed straight for the airport. (I had made MR. and Mrs. shirts that said "Just Married" on the back in Disney writing. It made the long day of travelling a little easier!
We got to the airport about two hours before our flight, just in case. We were flying on a Monday, and I wasn't overly concerned about large volumes of people taking flights. We got through customs within an hour (They didn't have many officers working at customs, so this part took the longest.) It's always a little tense when you're going to a new country, as they always try to make you feel uncomfortable. But we simply explained that we were going to Disneyland for our Honeymoon and the officer was a lot more cheerful :)
While waiting for our flight, we decided to get some sushi at the only airport restaurant we could access from international flights. Surprisingly, it was delicious!
This was the first time my husband was going to Disneyland, and only the second time he had been on a plane and left the country! So he was very nervous as airports are still a mystery to him, as well as the process of checking bags and going through customs. I had been to Disneyland twice before, and I have taken planes more times than I can count in my life (first time was at 2 weeks old!)
I was giddier than a schoolgirl, as I knew how amazing Disneyland was. The second I found out that my father was giving us our dream honeymoon as a wedding gift, I became obsessed with planning our trip.
We booked through the Disney Travel CO. ( disneyland.disney.go.com ) Which offers bookings from cities in Canada and the U.S. This came with a few extras, including the shuttle to and from the airport being free, cute CARS themed luggage tags, and a lanyard and pin each (which definitely fueled my husband's eagerness to collect pins!) I found that prices on travel websites were not significantly different enough for me to book elsewhere.
We booked a hotel on Disney property, at the Paradise Pier hotel. We also purchased the dining plan offered at Disneyland, as my father wanted to cover our food costs. I'm going to spend a little time talking about our hotel, and then about the Disneyland dining plan (which has changed since we went.)
This was my first time staying on Disney property while going to Disneyland. It may cost a bit more, but in my opinion it was worth it. You get alternating magic mornings at both parks EACH DAY- rather than just one if you book at a good neighbor hotel. Also, if you need a nap or simply need to shower and change because of how warm it is that day- you're only a short walk away. Paradise Pier is the cheapest of all the hotels on Disney property- and I expected it to always be busy and have kids running through the hallway- much to our surprise it was lovely and quiet, and we had an amazing view of California Adventure and World of Color!
a nighttime view from our room!
It also seemed to me that to match the beach theme of Paradise Pier that they kept the hotel a litter warmer and more humid inside- it was an interesting touch and it's great for your lungs! The bed was very comfortable and I loved the scent of the complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that I took all the little samples home!
Since we were staying on Disney Property, my husband was also able to surprise me with a Chocolate Lover's gift basket! It was amazing and adorable! Disney hotels offer all sorts of room surprises that you can custom make- or choose from a pre-selected basket, that will be in your room on any of the days that you are in the hotel. You can find their options for In-Room Celebrations Here.
-I believe the one my Husband ordered for me was called "Cheers for Chocolate" and includes a little plush Mickey, three chocolate bars, chocolate covered jelly bellies, an assorted box of chocolates, milk chocolate covered pretzels, milk chocolate malt balls, and chocolate covered nuts. (now replaced by caramels). These are an unnecessary expense, but can really surprise a loved one and make their visit extra special.
My last tip for staying in a Disney hotel is that you shouldn't be afraid to mention if you are celebrating something! Often they might give you something special or a button to show everyone what you are celebrating! Wearing the "Just Married" Buttons will get you a lot of attention and a lot of congratulations! I swear that we got over 200 words of Congrats in the time we were in Disney! We felt very special!
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