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Rae
05-11-2004, 06:05 PM
Hi,
After reading everything I could get my hands on about DL and the Anaheim area on your site, I decided I should join in the fun. I have just booked my first trip to Disneyland.

I am coming from Australia and will arrive in LA on the 28.4.05. Now I know that this is ages away but I am soooooo exited to be finally getting to DL. I will be travelling with me husband, 2 kids (4 & 7) and my Mum & Dad. We are staying for 10 days and have a 6 day DL pass and goofy's breakfast pass. We have booked into the Carosel Inn as they offered a good deal through our travel agent and it seems to be nearly as close as you can get.

I was wondering if anyone has trip reports that took place in the first 2 weeks of March, I would like some info on crowds and weather.

I have also heard of a place called "Joes Crab Shack" has anyne been there???

We will also be doing the usual tourist stuff like hollywood tour, Universal and Tijuana if anyone wants to add anything abour these places.

millionairegirl
05-11-2004, 06:16 PM
I don't know when Easter falls in 2005, but generally the weeks before and after Easter can get pretty crowded. Otherwise March should be pretty uncrowded, barring a deluge of international/out of state tourists for the 50th. But I don't think that officially starts until May 2005.

Southern California weather is hard to predict, it can be pouring cats and dogs one day, and then 85 degrees the next. March can get rainy, but some years we get no rain until April. Bring layers, and warm clothes for night. Even in the summer nighttime gets cold here.

There is a Joe's Crab Shack in Newport Beach, it's a chain though so there may be one in Anaheim also. I've never been because I've heard bad reviews. I'd suggest Gladstone's Seafood at Universal Citiwalk instead.

And if you really want to go to TJ, then you might as well see some of San Diego also. Balboa Park is awesome and you can see the zoo the same day.

Disneyfreak
05-11-2004, 06:28 PM
Im not sure when all the 50th promotions start but I would think that the 50th anniversary will attract crowds so great that we will be seeing early closures of the park to the public. We generally see mostly AP's at the park. But now we will get tourists on top of all of the AP's not to mention that next year will be a very heavy year for AP's because we will see way more people renew their passes then in the past. :~D

CarlieB
05-11-2004, 06:33 PM
Hi:)

I'm a fellow poster from downunder (NZ to be exact). We stayed at the Carousel last year and found it to be pretty good. It is nice and close to the parks.

I second what Millionairegirl said about going to San Diego. A couple of years ago we did one of the all-day trips to San Diego Zoo and it was heaps of fun. We've also been to Universal Studios, and while it was fun, I didn't think itwas nearly as good as DL.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions - we've been to DL pretty much every year/18 months for the last 4 years (sometimes direct from NZ, sometimes as part of other trips)

Not Afraid
05-11-2004, 06:34 PM
Easter 2005 is Sunday, March 27th. That means spring break crowdes starting about 2 weeks prior and continuing for a few weeks after. That will have the largest effect on the theme parks.

There are a thousand things to do while in So Cal. It depends on what you like to do. Tells us a bit more and we'll hel to fill in your days.

Rae
05-11-2004, 06:54 PM
Thanks everyone for such quick responses.

As far as what we like to do, we love to shop and love a bargain, so if you guys have any suggestions I would love to hear from you.

My husband and Dad are both mad about motorsports especially drag racing and I have heard about a place called speedzone. On my map it doesn't look that far away. Does anyone know how close it is and what the best way to get there is???

millionairegirl
05-11-2004, 07:03 PM
I've been there before, it was very fun!!

Unless you have a rental car and feel like driving on our side of the road (I'm under the impression that Australia is the same as the UK as far as driving goes) I think getting to the City of Industry would be difficult. According to their website (http://www.speedzone.com/LA_driving.html), it's 20 minutes North of Disneyland. I guess a Taxi each way may be expensive, but it may be cheaper (and less hastle) than renting a car.

Rae
05-11-2004, 08:02 PM
I will be happy to go by taxi to the City of Industry rather than get lost and have to put up with my husband driving on the "wrong side of the road"... while he also checks out the sights.

Any suggestions for eating with kids???

Do you have Sizzler??? we don't haveone anymore.

TP2000
05-11-2004, 08:57 PM
There isn't a Sizzler near Disneyland. But I think you'll enjoy Joe's Crab Shack, http://www.joescrabshack.com which is about 10 blocks south of Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. Joe's is a seafood place with rowdy music, beachy decor, and fun waiters. There are more tourists there than locals, but it's still good food. You could take the Anaheim Resort Transportation bus to get there if you're not up to the walk. And right next door to Joe's is an Outback Steakhouse, which is a chain of steak places themed to an Australian Roadhouse, so you might want to go there if you get homesick. ;-) Also in that same complex is Red Robin's, http://www.redrobin.com ,which has very good gourmet hamburgers with a laid back atmosphere, and it's popular with kids and adults alike.

There are also some good restaurants at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, or at Downtown Disney. Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian has great food and service that isn't too expenisive and it's a must do, especially so you can see the wonderful Grand Californian lobby and grounds. Rainforest Cafe will probably be popular with the kids, and the food is actually quite good. Stay away from Naples Ristorante, which has horrible service and odd pizza. And the new Tortilla Jo's mexican place has been not getting good reviews so far either. But the rest of the Downtown Disney or Disney Hotel restaurants are all usually very good.

Are you sure you can't postpone your trip two months until May, 2005? All of the 50th stuff that has been covered in the last week by Mouseplanet begins May 5th, 2005. If you go in March you won't have the new parade, new fireworks, new decorations everywhere, and you'll be putting up with bigger Easter Vacation crowds than you would in May. Even with all the new stuff coming in May, the crowds will still be more manageable than around Easter. Tower of Terror just opened a week ago, the advertising campaign for that big new ride has been EVERYWHERE, the weather has been jaw-droppingly gorgeous here, and there still haven't been any crowds at either Disneyland or DCA yet. But then May is always a great, uncrowded time to go. I think you'd get more bang for the buck if you waited until May, 2005.

As far as Tijuana goes.... are you sure you want to do that? Especially with children and older people? You will be leaving the USA and heading into Mexico, and it can be very dirty and a little dangerous if you wander down the wrong street there. If you're looking for Mexican flavor and food, there is plenty to be had around San Diego and it's much cleaner and safer there. But I have to agree that at least one day in San Diego is a must! Go to either the zoo, or Sea World, and the kids will love it. Then you can have dinner downtown, or along the beach on the drive back.

Speaking of driving, I would hate to see the Taxi fare from Anaheim to the City of Industry and back to go to Speedzone. You are probably looking at around 100 dollars for that, which is about three days worth of a midzise rental car from Enterprise. Speedzone is a go-kart and speed track, and I'm sure you have them in Australia. There is an indoor version much, much closer to Anaheim in the City of Orange, and it's very highly rated among people who are into that sort of thing. It's called Dromo One, it's about 3 miles east of Disneyland, and their website is http://www.dromo1.com They get you all suited up in a fire suit, gloves and helmet, there are plenty of picture opportunities, and the races there can get very exciting. Dromo One is kind of the grown up and mature version of the more kiddy/teenager type Speedzone.

Or, you might consider letting the guys head out to the California Speedway in Fontana. May is their peak race season, and their website is http://dbserver.iscmotorsports.com/CaliforniaSpeedway/index.cfm This is the real deal, and you all may enjoy getting a taste of red-blooded American NASCAR racing. At least the guys will have fun.

As far as shopping goes, Orange County has tons of great malls, but most of them are very upscale and you won't find many bargains there. Nearby to Disneyland you'll find The Block at Orange, http://www.theblockatorange.com which is kind of a teen hangout and Date Night place, but there are a lot of stores there and a couple outlet stores. Or just down the freeway you'll find MainPlace Mall, http://www.westfield.com/us/centres/california/mainplace/ which is your typical American mall with department stores and all the major chain stores. Farther south, and much pricier and fancier, is South Coast Plaza, http://www.southcoastplaza.com one of the swankiest and biggest malls in California. And about five miles past South Coast Plaza is Fashion Island http://www.shopfashionisland.com which is right near the beach and also very swanky and expensive. Even at those two expensive malls it can be fun just to window shop, have some lunch, and see the locals in their native habitat.

When your ready to see a non-Disney theme park, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm are good bets for the entire family. Six Flags Magic Mountain is more for teenagers, it's an hours drive north of Disneyland, and it is notoriously dirty and the employees are infamously surly. A bus tour of Hollywood and Los Angeles also might be fun. There is a Legoland about an hour south of Disneyland on the way to San Diego. It opened about five years ago, but it hasn't been very succesful. It's closed on some weekdays now, and while it's interesting if you are a Lego fan it has more of a European sensibility to it than an American one, and it hasn't really caught on from a theme park perspective. Only if your kids are huge Lego fans should you consider it.

Any more questions? :-)

Zigen
05-12-2004, 11:32 AM
I was wondering if anyone has trip reports that took place in the first 2 weeks of March, I would like some info on crowds and weather.

We will also be doing the usual tourist stuff like hollywood tour, Universal and Tijuana if anyone wants to add anything abour these places.

We went for 4 days at the end of March this year. It really wasnt that bad in terms of crowds, a lot of schools were on spring break it was busy, but nothing so bad that it would make our vacation bad. Just remember, get to the park before it opens. The 1st hour DLR is open is great. Also dont forget about the fastpass system.

I too suggest stopping by San Diego if your going to Tijuana. You can find good bargins in TJ but like another poster said, its not the best family place to be. It might be good for you and another adult, but theres nothing to do with kids there. Maybe drop the kids off with your mum and dad at the zoo, legoland or sea world in San diego while you go to TJ with your husband. I would pick sea world but its the most pricey of the 3.

Not Afraid
05-12-2004, 11:39 AM
I will be happy to go by taxi to the City of Industry rather than get lost and have to put up with my husband driving on the "wrong side of the road"... while he also checks out the sights.
Believe me. There are no sights between DL and COI. Lots of trucks and warehouses, but no many sights. I did that drive many, many times. UGH.

cstephens
05-12-2004, 11:54 AM
Believe me. There are no sights between DL and COI. Lots of trucks and warehouses, but no many sights. I did that drive many, many times. UGH.

Ummmmm, there's a Fry's along the way. ;)

Laserman
05-12-2004, 01:48 PM
If you dont what to drive to the other attractions they have tour buses that take you.

Rae
05-12-2004, 02:42 PM
Wow, so much info.

I am so thankful to have a locals view on things.
My Mum (I have fairly young (early 50's) parents who are VERY active so they are up for everything) really wants to go to TJ so maybe the kids will stay behind with my husband and Dad as they are not so fussed on that side of the border..

Thanks so much

Biscuit
05-12-2004, 05:22 PM
Rae

Hi from another downunder DL goer :)

I went around the same time last year - April 2003. I found the crowds very copable with at that time.

What I found TOTALLY indispensible was a book called "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland". I bought it from Amazon UK (coz it's not available in Aus or NZ), but it's also available from Amazon US (depending on what the better exchange rate turns out to be when buying).

This book is updated every year, and comes out in September for the following year. I thoroughly recommend you get it and read it well...it gives very helpful tips, ride instructions and descriptions, maps and thorough instructions for a newbie on how to cope at DL.

Wait for the 2005 version to be released in September 2004 (if you pre-order it will be shipped to you on the day of release), so you get all the info on the new rides, and what's to be expected for the anniversary build up.

The only thing I'm afraid you'll miss out on is Space Mountain - it doesn't reopen till November 2005! (that's when I want to go back!)

Take care, and happy planning
Amanda
PS: Yes, I stayed at the Carousel too. Very close, brekky provided, and comfortable rooms. PM if you have any questions.

Not Afraid
05-12-2004, 06:04 PM
PS: Yes, I stayed at the Carousel too. Very close, brekky provided, and comfortable rooms. PM if you have any questions.
Brekky! Brekky! Awwwww. I love colloquialisms.:D

Rae
05-12-2004, 06:44 PM
I was able to get a copy of the unoffical guide to DL 2004 from the local library and have nearly worn it out. I requested the book and they ordered it in for me so I am hoping they will get the next edition, they have copies from the last couple of years.

Whats the breakfast like at the Carousel?? I have read mixed reveiws, also are the supermarkets close by

DoNutTouCH
05-13-2004, 09:12 AM
Rae, one more suggestion...

I would not recommend going to Tijuana. It is a dangerous place for out of towners and for even the locals. Yes, bargains during the day are to be had if you like Spanish, Mexican type memorbilia. That maybe one of the only upsides to going.

But other than that, there is not much more. Seeing the poor in the area reminds you of how fortunate we are in our nations. I wouldn't go out of your way to see the place. Its a haven for underage teens looking for a bar on Friday, Saturday nights (as the drinking age in the U.S. is 21), you might feel out of place.

Tijuana is not a place for tourists. I believe there are other citites in Mexico that are much better tourist destinations but are far from the L.A. area. If anyone knows these cities maybe they could suggest them.

Pirate Girl
05-13-2004, 10:37 AM
And if you really want to go to TJ, then you might as well see some of San Diego also.

Personally, I too would skip Tijuana. I would skip all of Mexico except perhaps an enclosed resort in Cozumel...Mexico is not a happy place for tourists. I would just hit San Diego. You could try a City Pass (http://attractiontickets.tickets.com/buy/TicketTrans?storeID=DLR&productGroupID=SOCAL_ATT_PASS_04&tokens=u1VQoNQo0ZnTpY8QkO66e1i06806hWbnGM%2B6oaWgO oSoIrTSyyUD7pYGlrPuirisGyBd6RVl6gP7Jg29AONc2mtn3km DC6m0mqkkIoA2xkbu29lZKXCNybLpIGcv72yXbr92T%2FAO4Ks QNa9Lf99l8lYfDMJEnWkf4Cl6kL7lZzEe4B%2BaLGPPISx6KOn Hf59JlZ3hK%2BehwbGexcKMkQXvDnJSBi7dWoTUhU3jCSW%2B6 wBmc7Po5qdbreRf5ZVA1EAhUw3q%2BTXzgqyhlSU9W5%2FrCMr M30YlOkb2xxjtHorprHQjjDsdg6hrB52X0d9olJp%2B8KFW1Ss 5pEHDNPkk2POX4TxYCoo9Ck4%2BBdazLKyJkR9SdN%2BmdaJH% 2BhmEgnQIZBtFh56DAeQd6fW26rUWMcXPdyIGmAgmuB7%2BLam n3s%2FoRSQ7RWH949doqpJeI1nck%2FiXbm9o8p5Yjw7ANa6vk GOOUtCLzugiwaEy4nZefApnRvMg1OhIbRZoPA%3D%3D) which lets you into Disneyland for 3 days, as well as the San Diego Zoo (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/visitor_info.html), Sea World San Diego (http://www.seaworld.com/seaworld/ca/default.aspx), and Knott's Berry farm (http://www.knottsberryfarm.com/).

The Zoo and Sea World are both great. The San Diego Zoo is similar in quality to the Melbourne Zoo if you've ever been there.

Hawaiian Cinderella
05-13-2004, 10:45 AM
Breakfast at the Carousel is pretty basic, pastries/muffins, oatmeal, a small variety of fruit, coffee and juice. It was enough for us and they allowed my husband to bring it back to the room. Otherwise, we made good use of the microwave and fridge that was provided in the room. There is an Albertson's grocery store down the street on Harbor. We went to Trader Joe's, there is a couple within a short driving distance from the Carousel. Another tip, We ate a lot at Mimi's which is walking distance and near the Howard Johnson Hotel. The carrot raisin bread is to die for!! Food is good and priced right. Your entree comes with a HUGH muffin that is really delicious and they would pack it up for us and sometimes we would have that for breakfast.

Pirate Girl
05-13-2004, 10:45 AM
I was able to get a copy of the unoffical guide to DL 2004 from the local library and have nearly worn it out.

Well done...that is one of the best guides.

Pirate Girl
05-13-2004, 11:32 AM
Wow, so much info.

I am so thankful to have a locals view on things.
My Mum (I have fairly young (early 50's) parents who are VERY active so they are up for everything) really wants to go to TJ so maybe the kids will stay behind with my husband and Dad as they are not so fussed on that side of the border..

Thanks so much

Leaving the kids behind is a must if you still feel the need to go to TJ. Personally, I don't know anyone who will set foot over the border.

dnyduck
05-13-2004, 12:29 PM
I know that this has been said time and time again...but I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH how important it is that you DO NOT take your children into Mexico....and if at possbile you not go without a male escort. I really don't want to scare you but it's not safe for women and children to be in Mexico alone. There are way too many abductions in TJ! But if you do go, be sure to follow the laws "to a T". My father was raised in South America and speaks Spanish fluently. While living in San Diego we went to TJ and Rosarita quite frequently. Many time we had problems with being pulled over for "speeding" (speed traps). Because my father spoke Spanish like a native and understood the customs he was able to "buy" his way out of things. He always told us if we ever were to be pulled over, do everthing in your power to avoid going "downtown" to the court house/jail house, because you may not be coming back....at least not any time soon. And this was 20 years ago! Things are much worse now! If you just go to TJ, I wouldn't drive in...walk in only. Umm....let's see... Oh! To give you an example of my most recent Mexico/Baja experience....my husband and I took a cruise to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico last October. It took me a good 45 minutes to convience my husband that we will walk everywhere and not rent a car. He understood once we were on a tour bus....crazy driving! And the "final straw" for him was after lunch while we were shopping a Hummer came driving down the street with "Federallies" in it point machine guns out at everyone. He said "okay honey, let's go back to the ship and never come back to Mexico with out your father!" Again...I don't want to scare you, but Mexico is really not the safest place to go, so be very careful!

Rae
05-13-2004, 01:15 PM
How does TJ compare to places such as Bali??? Has anybody been to both???

We have been to Bali a few times and have taken the kids...

CarlieB
05-13-2004, 01:26 PM
I'm in a minority, but I think you'd be fine, particularly if you're going on one of the coach tours you can buy in advance in Australia (is this what you're planning on doing?). If you've travelled in Indonesia and similar places it won't be too out of the ordinary:)