carmel
<font color=blue>Kept thinking it was 'Snow White'
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2004
This probably should go on the trip reports board but I thought since it was DL, you guys might not see it.
I was in SoCal last week. Our main priority was visiting family but we did steal away for 2 days for DL.
Howard Johnsons - We stayed in bldg 1 on the fourth floor facing DL. We could see the fireworks no problem (which was great on the days we didn't go to the park). We also had a great view of the Matterhorn and the coasters in CA. The room was massive, neat as a pin and just all around great. The gift shop had everything you could need and it was great to pick the girls up a small box of Cheerios on the way to the park. The only complaint I had was that I couldn't childproof the door to the balcony. I wish they would install a latch up high (adult level). The door did lock but it was the kind of lock that when you turned it, it opened. We ended up turning the table on it's side and butting it up against the door to keep our 2 yr old from wandering out. There is almost no way for her to fall off the balcony but you can never be to safe.
The pool was beautiful and warm. It was windy (strong Santa Ana winds) so when you got out you froze your behind off but the water was very pleasant. The kiddie pool and turtle splash area were very nice. The grounds were neat and well kept and all in all the hotel was fabulous. No complaint (except the balcony door).
We ate at Mimi's one afternoon. The portions are huge. I wouldn't call them inexpensive but they weren't over the top either. The Caesar's salad was fabulous.
I grew up on WDW. I was anxious to compare the two. I gotta say that I think I like DL better than the MK. You can't beat Epcot (IMO) but I loved the set up and the convenience of DL. I also like the 'old fashioned' feel to it. It is hard to describe but it felt older without comprimising the upkeep. I adored the area right outside Peter Pan. It was so magical to be around the rides that were in the 'cottages'. I didn't think WDW's Small World could be beat but boy was I wrong. I got goosebumps riding DL's Small World outside the castle around the topiaries. It was gorgeous. DL's POC was much better than WDW in my opinion. The one ride that I thought was showing some age was the Haunted Mansion. In the areas where there were screens in front of the diplays, the screens should have been cleaned so as not to show the stuff 'clogged' in them. It took away from the illusions.
Mickey's Toontown was nice but they could use some more shade there LOL! The worst ride we rode was Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin. What a waste! We even FP'd it! Unless you have a great desire to go on it, I would say skip it and you won't regret it.
I just can't say enough good things about DL. It was great! We spent the vast majority of our time there since the girls wanted those rides. We only spent 1/2 day in California Adventure and spent most of that time in Flik's Fun Fair. I have read that some people here don't like it but I thought it was cute. We hit about about dusk and that area at night is so pretty.
All in all, I would go back in a heartbeat. There's something to be said about it being a smaller park. WDW has a tendacy to overwhelm me. I'm not saying I don't love WDW but DL had a 'quaintness' and 'doability' that really enhanced our trip. The place was spotless and the CMs were all very nice. Oh, the characters were EVERYWHERE. We saw princesses galore. I know it is hard to catch one in WDW. My 2yr old about peed her pants when Snow White kissed her. She left lipstick on her cheek and my toddler wouldn't let me wash her face for two days.
If you are planning a trip to DL, rest assure that it is a wonderful place. Yes, it was CROWDED but we still got to go on rides. The place was very clean and very well kept. DL, DTD and CA are all right there and that makes it very convenient to go between the two. I adored DL and anyone wondering if they will have a good time can relax. It is a WONDERFUL place!
I was in SoCal last week. Our main priority was visiting family but we did steal away for 2 days for DL.
Howard Johnsons - We stayed in bldg 1 on the fourth floor facing DL. We could see the fireworks no problem (which was great on the days we didn't go to the park). We also had a great view of the Matterhorn and the coasters in CA. The room was massive, neat as a pin and just all around great. The gift shop had everything you could need and it was great to pick the girls up a small box of Cheerios on the way to the park. The only complaint I had was that I couldn't childproof the door to the balcony. I wish they would install a latch up high (adult level). The door did lock but it was the kind of lock that when you turned it, it opened. We ended up turning the table on it's side and butting it up against the door to keep our 2 yr old from wandering out. There is almost no way for her to fall off the balcony but you can never be to safe.
The pool was beautiful and warm. It was windy (strong Santa Ana winds) so when you got out you froze your behind off but the water was very pleasant. The kiddie pool and turtle splash area were very nice. The grounds were neat and well kept and all in all the hotel was fabulous. No complaint (except the balcony door).
We ate at Mimi's one afternoon. The portions are huge. I wouldn't call them inexpensive but they weren't over the top either. The Caesar's salad was fabulous.
I grew up on WDW. I was anxious to compare the two. I gotta say that I think I like DL better than the MK. You can't beat Epcot (IMO) but I loved the set up and the convenience of DL. I also like the 'old fashioned' feel to it. It is hard to describe but it felt older without comprimising the upkeep. I adored the area right outside Peter Pan. It was so magical to be around the rides that were in the 'cottages'. I didn't think WDW's Small World could be beat but boy was I wrong. I got goosebumps riding DL's Small World outside the castle around the topiaries. It was gorgeous. DL's POC was much better than WDW in my opinion. The one ride that I thought was showing some age was the Haunted Mansion. In the areas where there were screens in front of the diplays, the screens should have been cleaned so as not to show the stuff 'clogged' in them. It took away from the illusions.
Mickey's Toontown was nice but they could use some more shade there LOL! The worst ride we rode was Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin. What a waste! We even FP'd it! Unless you have a great desire to go on it, I would say skip it and you won't regret it.
I just can't say enough good things about DL. It was great! We spent the vast majority of our time there since the girls wanted those rides. We only spent 1/2 day in California Adventure and spent most of that time in Flik's Fun Fair. I have read that some people here don't like it but I thought it was cute. We hit about about dusk and that area at night is so pretty.
All in all, I would go back in a heartbeat. There's something to be said about it being a smaller park. WDW has a tendacy to overwhelm me. I'm not saying I don't love WDW but DL had a 'quaintness' and 'doability' that really enhanced our trip. The place was spotless and the CMs were all very nice. Oh, the characters were EVERYWHERE. We saw princesses galore. I know it is hard to catch one in WDW. My 2yr old about peed her pants when Snow White kissed her. She left lipstick on her cheek and my toddler wouldn't let me wash her face for two days.
If you are planning a trip to DL, rest assure that it is a wonderful place. Yes, it was CROWDED but we still got to go on rides. The place was very clean and very well kept. DL, DTD and CA are all right there and that makes it very convenient to go between the two. I adored DL and anyone wondering if they will have a good time can relax. It is a WONDERFUL place!