Cross Country Help!

[SurlyMermaid]

Hi everybody, my family is planning a trip in August from San Jose, CA to Birmingham AL and we need lots of help. It will be myself, my husband and our three kids (16, 13, & 12). We plan on stopping for a day at Disneyland because we've never been there. We love DisneyWorld and go every year, but we're very excited to see the original.

We would also like to see the Grand Canyon on the way. I would love to take our time to see everything, but this is a time and money budget trip, so we can only spare one day for each. What should we REALLY try to see at both places? Is it even possible to see the Canyon in 1 day?
I know we'll miss alot at DL, but I'd rather see some of it than none at all. We will be using our Give a Day, Get a Day vouchers.

Also, we will be traveling with our dog, does anybody know about the kennels at either place? And last but not least, I'm sort of considering a stop in Memphis to see Graceland. Has anybody ever been there?

We plan on taking I-40 most of the way, are there any other places we should try to visit? Thanks so much in advance for the advice!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

It is possible to see the highlights in 1 day at each place.

Disneyland - since you are WDW vets, I would concentrate on attractions that are different than WDW and are unique to DL. You could also do you favorites. DL does have a kennel.

Grand Canyon - if you're not going to do any major hiking, you can see the Grand Canyon in a day. An option is to do a helicopter tour or just walk along the South Rim. There is a nice flat trail and a tram you can use to see the rim. You'll need to check the Grand Canyon website in regards to pet rules.

 

[SurlyMermaid]

Thanks for the help! We're really excited to see all that we can. I wish we had time to see Yosemite, but that can be a future trip.

 

[ScooterL]

I would recommend a quick drive through Painted Desert/Petrified Forest National Park - there's a short section of road through it right off of I40.

 

[GrandBob]

We did a similar trip about 10 years ago, going as far as MS. There are a lot of sections of the old Route 66 that parallel I-40, especially in Arizona. It's fun to take that route -- several old, old souvenir stands, gas stations, and motels. And it really doesn't add too much time to the trip. We found it to be a kick!

In any case, have fun!

-Bob

 

[sasywtch]

I was trying to think what I could add since I drove that way I40 to Oklahoma City to Bakersfield twice a year for 6 years. Pilot truck stops are usually clean bathrooms and some souvenirs (I collect magnets of all states). We went to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, walked down and saw the hotel, got an ice cream, ate at the cafeteria type thing they have in about 6 hours.

If you have little kids, they have statues of dinasours along the freeway in AZ. In Winslow AZ (toward the NM line), you can take a 15 minute detour and see the statue and paintings of the Eagle song "Standin on a corner in Winslow AZ, such a fine sight to see". The painting on the side of the buidling is actually interesting if you know the song.

In NM, get out at one of the rest stops and check out the red rock formations. If it's all adults, there is a casino off the freeway somewhere--lots of signs.
If you've never eaten at a Cracker Barrell, they are pretty good. We always stayed at the Holiday Inn Expresses, had dinner at the Cracker Barrel and then had the free breakfast at the hotel. There is also the famous restraunt in Amarillo if you eat the whole steak. Don't know the name but don't fear, you will see signs. In TX, if you are into crosses, there is a huge cross in the middle of the freeway that alot of people stop at.

Oklahoma City has the bombing memorial. It's a 5 minute drive off the freeway and had free parking.
Never went inside Elvis' house but went into the gift shop
We use to go there for the basketball games and always wanted to go eat on that street with the bbq.