My 30th anniversary is coming up at the end of January 04 and I want to surprise my better half with a trip to DL and DCA. I've been twice, once as a wee one and once in my vagabond pre-married youth. I've been promising her that we would someday get there and it seems like now is an appropriate occasion. I'm planning on telling her to pack a bag for a four day trip to southern Cal but I'm not telling her where exactly we are going. She won't know for sure until we pull up in the taxi at the main gate.

One area of concern is that I'm now using a wheelchair. I would be most appreciative of any feedback regarding the accessibility of the motels closest to the main gates. Those within pushing or walking distance of the park or Downtown Disney.

The 3 resort hotels are a bit out of my price range but I'd like something like a nice - say a one-bedroom suite or big studio with a microwave, fridge and a view of the park (and wheelchair accesible of course).

I'd also appreciate any recommendations about the most adult or romantic dining spots in Downtown Disney or the park. Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions on how to make this special surprise trip a success.

A wheeling northwest Webfoot

You will have a wonderful trip!!!!! Don't be surprised if this thread gets relocated to the TAG forum tho.

On to your questions:

Hotel Options: the hotels on Harbor are all less expensive than 'on property'. My personal fav is the Desert Inn and Suites for several reasons, 1) the parlor suites are very roomy, microwave, fridge (not one that will just hold 2 sodas, it's more studio apt size mini fridge) coffee maker....very clean and the staff are very very good. Price wise very affordable. The upper level rooms have views of DCA but not Disneyland. I've stayed at several properties on Harbor and haven't had a room yet where there is a really "nice" park view maybe someone else can help there.

The Desert Inn & Suites is one driveway away from the crosswalk into the resort so very easy to get back and forth. I would suggest you consider renting a ECV while you are there, there are a couple rental companies in the area that will deliver one to the hotel for you, that eliminates the need to have someone help push you or your exhausting yourself with the different terain at the parks. DTD has such a wide range of choices for restaruants, a few that always get mentioned : Napa Rose at the Grand Californian, Catals, Brenans....I"m sure others will share more ideas. Hope this helps.

Your very best bet, if you can get a good discount rate, is the Grand Californian. Next would be the Desert Inn and Suites, Tropicana or Best Western Park Place Inn and Suites.

Renting an ECV really may make your trip more relaxing -- save your energy for fun.

Lots of tips in MP's "Theme Park Access Guide". Also, regarding ride accessibility, there is a guide available at Town Hall/Guest Relations. In the past, I've had Disney send it to me prior to the visit so as to be in the know prior to arrival.

Also, I too recommend an ECV. But for some rides one has to transfer to a "regular" wheelchair. Those rides are mentioned in the guide above.

Overall, I've found DCA and DL very accessible. Restaurants too. But, I'll be honest and say that I've found some of the stores to be a pretty tight fit for a wheelchair.

Thanks so very much Mamasilva, Teri and tjrj,

Your advice will be well considered and is greatly appreciated. My sister has raised a valid point I had not considered: that is that room service is a great break from the norm for my lady and equally important as proximity to the park. Perhaps a cab or shuttle would be cheaper in the long run.

As for an ECV: that is an excellent suggestion. My only concern is that with my sports chair I can be bounced down a step or three and squeezed into smaller places. Most powered devices have too large a footprint to fit into a standup world. I think I will bring my gloves and start a training program so I can make it through the day at the park.

I am afraid the perfect lodging for our anniversary is not possible. How about a view of the Matterhorn or SB castle, room service, micro and fridge, a mickey mouse phone, less than a half mile walk/roll to the park, and all this for $80-150 a night. Okay, so I’m a dreamer - that’s why she has put up with me for 30 years.

Hi, Webfoot,

Check the Convention Center Hilton or the Coast Anaheim Hotel regarding views of fireworks. On a slow night the Hilton has HHonors rates of less than 80 (but on a busy night the same room can be $200, so always check.) Haven't tried the Coast but they appear to boast great views of the park.

We usually pick the Clarion because it has suite rooms with a fridge and microwave...also a nice staff, a modest sports bar, a restaurant, and food delivery from nearby restaurants (love those fried pot stickers from the Panda House!) You can usually snaffle a taxi from the Hilton across the street if the longer walk or the red shuttle bus are unrealistic for your mobility. Or the bell staff can call a taxi for you. The AAA rate is usually around 80 if you call the hotel directly.

We've always wanted to try a suite at the Portofino. but have not yet.

Anaheim is swarming with acceptable and affordable hotels near the parks, it's just a matter of timing and preferences. A big convention or a major holiday can completely change the picture. It really pays to call the hotel directly to find out when the slow times are.

Best of luck on your trip,

5visitsperyear

Thanks 5visitsperyear. Your advice is appreciated. I guess I had better get on the phone. I'm going to try three days at the park and two at the beach. Either Malibu or Laguna. If we go to the beach first it may throw her off the scent as I think she suspects Disneyland is in the mix. It's getting more difficult to surprise her all the time. Thanks again!
Webfoot

PS: Now I have a craving for pot stickers.