GL driver advice on Disneyland?
#1
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
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From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
GL driver advice on Disneyland?
Thinking about going down to Disneyland in September, as it looks like my Russia trip will be delayed. I am clueless about what goes down there (went to Disney World in 1977), and for such a large company their websites and sales materials are pretty poor, in that they disagree on certain points (ie: "Magic Mornings"), and/or suggest options or services without then offering them for sale, or giving you any detail about them.
I have been reading the web for like two days solid, and now I'm even more confused.
I know for sure I will be flying into LAX, and will likely be staying at the Grand Californian. My daughter is 3 1/2, but is not all that familiar with the Disney brand or any of the characters, other than maybe Nemo, and the whole "Disney Princess" concept, though she has not seen any of the movies...
Any advice from GL driving families about any of this would be most welcome...
Hope this is not too O.T., but I'm looking to my GL American pals for help.
I have been reading the web for like two days solid, and now I'm even more confused.
I know for sure I will be flying into LAX, and will likely be staying at the Grand Californian. My daughter is 3 1/2, but is not all that familiar with the Disney brand or any of the characters, other than maybe Nemo, and the whole "Disney Princess" concept, though she has not seen any of the movies...
Any advice from GL driving families about any of this would be most welcome...
Hope this is not too O.T., but I'm looking to my GL American pals for help.
#2
Thinking about going down to Disneyland in September, as it looks like my Russia trip will be delayed. I am clueless about what goes down there (went to Disney World in 1977), and for such a large company their websites and sales materials are pretty poor, in that they disagree on certain points (ie: "Magic Mornings"), and/or suggest options or services without then offering them for sale, or giving you any detail about them.
I have been reading the web for like two days solid, and now I'm even more confused.
I know for sure I will be flying into LAX, and will likely be staying at the Grand Californian. My daughter is 3 1/2, but is not all that familiar with the Disney brand or any of the characters, other than maybe Nemo, and the whole "Disney Princess" concept, though she has not seen any of the movies...
Any advice from GL driving families about any of this would be most welcome...
Hope this is not too O.T., but I'm looking to my GL American pals for help.
I have been reading the web for like two days solid, and now I'm even more confused.
I know for sure I will be flying into LAX, and will likely be staying at the Grand Californian. My daughter is 3 1/2, but is not all that familiar with the Disney brand or any of the characters, other than maybe Nemo, and the whole "Disney Princess" concept, though she has not seen any of the movies...
Any advice from GL driving families about any of this would be most welcome...
Hope this is not too O.T., but I'm looking to my GL American pals for help.
#3
3 is a bit young to remember the experience, but she will certainly enjoy herself!
Attached to Disneyland is California Adventure theme park, but I believe it's for the "older" crowd (i.e. roller coasters, etc.). You and your family will have a wonderful time at Disneyland. Fantasyland is great for little kids with lots of slow rides such as Peter Pan.
Depending upon when you're here & for how long, maybe we can get a couple of the SoCal members to meet up with you (Nish?). I'm not that far from Disneyland -- only a couple of hours away.
Attached to Disneyland is California Adventure theme park, but I believe it's for the "older" crowd (i.e. roller coasters, etc.). You and your family will have a wonderful time at Disneyland. Fantasyland is great for little kids with lots of slow rides such as Peter Pan.
Depending upon when you're here & for how long, maybe we can get a couple of the SoCal members to meet up with you (Nish?). I'm not that far from Disneyland -- only a couple of hours away.
#4
Jen - you read my mind. When I first read Brocktoon's post my first thought was the of a GL meet in Disneyland too
Brock - like others said, your daughter is too young to remember the experience but she will have fun nonetheless. Far as advice for DLand, how long you guys are planning on staying? Also, do you plan to visit just DLand or are you planning to venture elsewhere too? If you are planning to do just DLand then you may want to fly in Santa Ana Airport (SNA) which is closer to DLand and you won't have to rent a car. I am pretty sure hotel will pick you up. Far as choice of places to stay, your choice is very good. I used to work for Disney so trust me on that one. If you are getting a vacation package, make sure your park tickets are valid for both parks (Disneyland and California adventure).
Inside the parks, there is a ton of stuff to do but not enough time Check for height requirements on the rides (sucks that they are not Disney site, I believe) and that should make it easy for where your daughter can go. Leverage the hotel staff when you get there since they know a LOT and are very helpful. There are also various locations in the park where characters show up at various time for pictures. I believe that at certain times, certain "Princess" comes out to meet the kids.
Fire away with whatever else you may have in mind.
And, anyone else interested in meeting at Disney while our Canadian brethren visit?
Brock - like others said, your daughter is too young to remember the experience but she will have fun nonetheless. Far as advice for DLand, how long you guys are planning on staying? Also, do you plan to visit just DLand or are you planning to venture elsewhere too? If you are planning to do just DLand then you may want to fly in Santa Ana Airport (SNA) which is closer to DLand and you won't have to rent a car. I am pretty sure hotel will pick you up. Far as choice of places to stay, your choice is very good. I used to work for Disney so trust me on that one. If you are getting a vacation package, make sure your park tickets are valid for both parks (Disneyland and California adventure).
Inside the parks, there is a ton of stuff to do but not enough time Check for height requirements on the rides (sucks that they are not Disney site, I believe) and that should make it easy for where your daughter can go. Leverage the hotel staff when you get there since they know a LOT and are very helpful. There are also various locations in the park where characters show up at various time for pictures. I believe that at certain times, certain "Princess" comes out to meet the kids.
Fire away with whatever else you may have in mind.
And, anyone else interested in meeting at Disney while our Canadian brethren visit?
#5
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 24
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
Wow, glad to hear my arrival is so well anticipated...
I will only be going for two full days, so that is the reason for LAX, as I can get a direct United/Air Canada codeshare flight, rather than sitting around SFO waiting for a closer airport.
As I will only be there for a short stay (3 nights) I would be happy to meet with any of you guys (I think a GTG would be great!) but I will have limited time. I'm all about downing some Labatts at ESPN zone or the hotel bar for a few hours, but other than that, I will be on a tight schedule, so don't go out of your way... however if you guys wanna GTG any way, might as well do it while I'm in town...I'd love to meet you!!!
I will only be going for two full days, so that is the reason for LAX, as I can get a direct United/Air Canada codeshare flight, rather than sitting around SFO waiting for a closer airport.
As I will only be there for a short stay (3 nights) I would be happy to meet with any of you guys (I think a GTG would be great!) but I will have limited time. I'm all about downing some Labatts at ESPN zone or the hotel bar for a few hours, but other than that, I will be on a tight schedule, so don't go out of your way... however if you guys wanna GTG any way, might as well do it while I'm in town...I'd love to meet you!!!
#6
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Wow, glad to hear my arrival is so well anticipated...
I will only be going for two full days, so that is the reason for LAX, as I can get a direct United/Air Canada codeshare flight, rather than sitting around SFO waiting for a closer airport.
As I will only be there for a short stay (3 nights) I would be happy to meet with any of you guys (I think a GTG would be great!) but I will have limited time. I'm all about downing some Labatts at ESPN zone or the hotel bar for a few hours, but other than that, I will be on a tight schedule, so don't go out of your way... however if you guys wanna GTG any way, might as well do it while I'm in town...I'd love to meet you!!!
I will only be going for two full days, so that is the reason for LAX, as I can get a direct United/Air Canada codeshare flight, rather than sitting around SFO waiting for a closer airport.
As I will only be there for a short stay (3 nights) I would be happy to meet with any of you guys (I think a GTG would be great!) but I will have limited time. I'm all about downing some Labatts at ESPN zone or the hotel bar for a few hours, but other than that, I will be on a tight schedule, so don't go out of your way... however if you guys wanna GTG any way, might as well do it while I'm in town...I'd love to meet you!!!
I've "maximized" my Disney experience a couple of times with a program called "RideMax," but that can be a bit intense. It does help ensure that you're hitting all the rides you want to try, giving you good tips on how to work the FastPass system and better times to hit certain rides. I remember when my kids first went to Disney and how much they enjoyed the whole overall experience, I envy you that.
So guys ... if we get some dates going ... maybe a GTG?
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#8
I no longer live in California but when I was there, I usually got the priority pass or quick pass or whatever they call it. I think it is $10 more per ticket and you can get in on a different line, usually very fast (like Elite boarding with Continental)
#9
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I know AAA used to have something like that which members could purchase but they discontinued it. Is this something else?
#10
Now I doubted myself Unless I'm confused with another theme park but I remember to paid for it and used it at most of the rides to get in quicker. I could be wrong.
#11
My wife is a big Disney fanatic and she hangs out on the Disboards forum. You can find anything you need there. This is a link to the Disneyland specific threads. Have fun. http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5
#12
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#14
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
That is an awesome link, thanks shaston!
I guess I'll catch up with you guys another time, I know the days are tough 'cus it's not the week-end. If anything changes, you can still catch up with me for a cocktail.
I guess I'll catch up with you guys another time, I know the days are tough 'cus it's not the week-end. If anything changes, you can still catch up with me for a cocktail.
#15
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 123
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From: Florida
1982 300Dt, 2021GLE53, 2013 GLK250, 2009 Smart Cabrio
As others have said, you picked the best hotel. It has great high end and family style restaurants inside...and best of all, not only is it connected to the Park, its also right in the middle of Downtown Disney which has more great restaurants, shops, and one of the few ESPN Zones in the world.
Cuibap...you paid for your passes at Universal more than likely...they are free at Disney.
Have fun!
Cuibap...you paid for your passes at Universal more than likely...they are free at Disney.
Have fun!
#16
Originally Posted by Brocktoon
f anything changes, you can still catch up with me for a cocktail.
#17
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
#18
Our 2008 GL 450 has been to Disneyland three times already (purchased 11/07) and we are planning to go next month as well as during the holiday season to see all the decorations. Yes, we invested in annaul passes for the first time ever. We live in Northern CA. I have 2 girls...2 1/2 and 7mos...and my older one remembers her Disney experiences and can name the rides she wants to go again. I can help answer any specific questions you may have. A really good discussion board is www.mouseplanet.com for great trip planning info as well as park info. You'll have a great time as long as you don't mind crowds. Enjoy!
Steve
Steve
#19
#23
3 is a bit young to remember the experience, but she will certainly enjoy herself!
Attached to Disneyland is California Adventure theme park, but I believe it's for the "older" crowd (i.e. roller coasters, etc.). You and your family will have a wonderful time at Disneyland. Fantasyland is great for little kids with lots of slow rides such as Peter Pan.
Depending upon when you're here & for how long, maybe we can get a couple of the SoCal members to meet up with you (Nish?). I'm not that far from Disneyland -- only a couple of hours away.
Attached to Disneyland is California Adventure theme park, but I believe it's for the "older" crowd (i.e. roller coasters, etc.). You and your family will have a wonderful time at Disneyland. Fantasyland is great for little kids with lots of slow rides such as Peter Pan.
Depending upon when you're here & for how long, maybe we can get a couple of the SoCal members to meet up with you (Nish?). I'm not that far from Disneyland -- only a couple of hours away.
2 days is a must when you have kids as you need to just take the time to enjoy the park....slowly
#24
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
#25
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
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