Get Packin'!

Your reservations are made, transportation secured, the countdown is over - you're ready to pack! So what should you take on your theme park vacation? Some things may seem obvious but I bet there are a few ideas here that you may have overlooked. I'll also be including a mini-review of the best walking shoes for those long days at the parks.

Luggage, the most essential item on the list. You can't live in just the clothes on your back (or you could but I wouldn't advise it) so what should you use for packing? While I wouldn't advise putting out any extra cash on new suitcases, I would highly recommend that you use luggage tags and easily-identifiable markings so that you aren't waiting in baggage claim forever (if you're flying). I like to tie a piece of ribbon around the handle of my bags - something bright - so that I can see my bag coming as soon as it's on the conveyor belt for pickup. Although I've never used hard-sided luggage, I know a few people that swear by it and I know it doesn't hurt to have a little extra protection.

For my budget travelers using Allegiant Air or another value-priced airlines: you will be nickel and dimed for every piece of luggage you take. Remember that you'll need to save space for souvenirs so try to combine bags where possible. Your free personal item on the plane doesn't have to be your purse; carry a backpack instead and put your purse inside it.

Next: clothes. Your first task is to check the forecast - ideally the 10-day forecast to get a good idea of what's to come and then check historical data if you feel it's necessary. I'm not a fan of shorts so I usually pack yoga capri's in the warmer months and comfy jeans or leggings in the winter months. T-shirts, a light jacket, or even modest tank tops are a good bet as well. Men: my travel companion loves to stock up on the long shorts sales at PacSun and Tilly's - he'll take a few pairs of a shorts, one pair of a jeans, and t-shirts/tank tops for the entire trip. We never plan a meal at a place that is super nice (although even those places are pretty easy on the dress code because it's a tourist destination) so we don't worry about fancy clothes.

Shoes - I can't talk about this enough. I've tried it all: sneakers, sandals, crocs. The ONLY brands I recommend are Sanuk and New Balance. The Sanuk shoes (even the ones that look like sneakers) have a waterproof, cushioned footbed that feels like a pillow and absorbs a lot of the shock from the concrete. I am a huge fan of the yoga-sling for women:

My travel companion also wears Sanuk sandals in the parks although he prefers Vans sneakers on some days.

Amazon can save you tons of money on shoes! Check prices frequently if you're planning to buy because a $40 pair of sandals can drop to $18 from one day to the next.

Here are a few other items to consider packing:

• sunscreen and spf lip balm
• band aids, blister band aids, moleskin for shoes that rub
• over-the-counter meds (they are expensive in hotel sundry shops)
• Magic Bands!
• a folder with all of your reservation/admission documents - keep with you on the plane
• power bank or extra charger for your phone while in the parks
• hats/visors/bandanna/headbands
• sunglasses
• children's items - bottles/food/sippy cups/bibs/diapers/etc
• extra batteries for any battery-powered devices on the list
• hand sanitizer

I also recommend stopping by a Walgreens once you're in Orlando to grab extra items that you didn't have the room to pack but will likely use on the trip - like snacks for the hotel room and theme parks, extra bottled water, and even some travel sized toiletries. The chain stores are the best stop for these items because their prices aren't any higher than they would be at home. You can even find some cool souvenirs at these places that are a fraction of the price you'll pay anywhere else.

For an exhaustive packing list, I recommend checking out MouseSavers

And one last bit of information: if you are going to Orlando and decide to stay at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you'll see that they have pool floaties for sale near the lazy river. They charge between $5-$15 for these items but check prices at Walgreens or Wal-Mart while you're in Orlando and pick up a cheaper option. The folks at the floatie hut will still inflate and deflate your item for free.

I hope this information has been helpful! My next post will dive into planning an itinerary and tips for parkhopping!

Universal Orlando!

This blog's focus is primarily Disney, but I would feel guilty if I kept the details of Universal Orlando from my readers. It's a fantastic experience and a great add-on to any Orlando vacation. I often plan my Disney World trips with an extra couple of days allocated specifically for Universal Studios. If you have any Harry Potter fans in the travel party then this is a MUST SEE!

Universal Orlando is divided into two theme parks and a water park. I have not visited the water park so I can not vouch for its fun factor but the Universal theme parks offer plenty to keep you busy. There are now Harry Potter areas in both parks so there's really no way to go wrong with the order in which you visit them. I feel that one day at each park is adequate although there are sometimes offers to get an extra day free and you may want a third day to go back to see your favorites if it's your first time.

Universal Studios is the company's namesake and boasts many of the classic rides such as Men In Black, Shrek, E.T., Terminator, and Twister. They've also added a Minions Mayhem ride and the new Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion in recent years. Diagon Alley is the most recent of the Harry Potter additions; you are welcomed by an ordinary London street-front and walk through the 'magical' passage to get to the Diagon Alley area. 

Magical passageway

Here you'll find the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, as well as the Leaky Cauldron and many themed gift shops. 

My travel companion's meal - mini pie combo

My meal at the Leaky Cauldron - chicken sandwich

Universal also added Butterbeer ice cream to the list of delectable wizard-themed treats you can find in this area. 

Mmmm butterbeer and butterbeer ice cream!

If you've purchased a parkhopper pass then you can take the Hogwarts Express at platform 9 3/4 to Hogsmeade, located in Universal's Islands of Adventure. The other themed areas in Universal Studios are Production Central, which houses the popular Transformers ride, New York, San Francisco, Woody Woodpecker's Kid Zone, Hollywood, and World Expo. If you're walking through World Expo then you're likely to consider it Springfield because it is themed quite literally like The Simpsons home town. You'll even find Moe's bar! 

Islands of Adventure has many themed areas including Suess Landing, The Lost Continent, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, and Marvel Super Hero Island. As you might have guessed, Suess Landing has plenty of toddler-friendly play areas and attractions but it also boasts the coolest candy shop I've ever seen! I highly recommend this sugary stop if you like noshing on hard-to-find candy from yesteryear. 

Grabbing candy in Suess Landing

The Lost Continent will always hold a special place in my heart because it houses one of my favorite theme park restaurants (tied with Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom). Mythos is consistently voted the best theme park restaurant, and for good reason. The food is ALWAYS amazing and the chefs are happy to accommodate special requests. It's usually only open until 5pm so make sure to get your reservations early. 

Our meal at Mythos - cranberry crusted pork and brown butter gnocchi

Hogsmeade is the original Harry Potter themed area and it features the Hogwarts Castle in the background with the village of Hogsmeade leading up to it. The snow-capped shops and street performances really feel authentic. 

Hogsmeade

The Three Broomsticks is the featured restaurant here, and I prefer it over The Leaky Cauldron. The seating has a better layout and the queue system moves quicker (an employee will direct you to the cashier and then you are taken to another employee that directs you to a specific table). Jurassic Park is exactly as it sounds - a very lush, forested area with its namesake ride. There isn't much to see here but there are already additions being built as the franchise makes a comeback. Toon Lagoon is a cute little area with comic strip conversation bubbles hanging from street signs and lots of bright colors and designs. It's more of a passageway to the Marvel Super Hero Island but it's worth a few minutes of your time to look around, especially if you're a fan of Popeye! Marvel Super Hero Island has the best roller coaster I've ever experienced, hands-down. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is big, green, and scary. It goes super fast and even takes you upside down. I highly recommend this ride for any coaster enthusiast! 

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

This area also houses another of my favorite rides, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. The line for this ride moves pretty quickly but you won't want to miss the offices of the Daily Bugle as you make your way to the front. This is a 3D interactive ride with lots of fast movement and turns including a 400 foot freefall experience. 

Similar to the Disney properties, Universal offers a dining and shopping district on site. You can't avoid CityWalk because you must walk through it to reach the park entrances but it's a great place to take a break or unwind at the end of the day. You can find restaurants such as Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, and Emeril's Restaurant. There is also a movie theater and mini-golf course.

The Universal property is situated at one end of the famous International Drive in Orlando. This area is a tourist attraction in itself (much like the Strip in Vegas or main street in most other touristy locations). You'll find go-karts, mini golf, Ripley's Believe it or Not, World of Chocolate museum and shop, souvenir shops, and an abundance of dining options on this street alone. 

World of Chocolate

Mini Golf at Pirate's Cove

The hotels are endless, too, but I will warn you that there are some rather unsavory options. Check the traveler ratings before you book a room! I stayed at Universal's newest resort, Cabana Bay, on my last trip and it was a fantastic experience! It is pretty affordable - about $120/night in off season - and offers two pools, a lazy river, a huge food court, and free transportation to the parks. 

Standard Room at Cabana Bay

Lazy River Pool

If you're staying in this area of International Drive then I highly recommend grabbing a meal at Hash House a Go Go. It's been featured on Food Network and offers huge portions of comfort food. You won't be disappointed!

Sage Fried Chicken and Banana Vanilla French Toast

I know this has been a long post and I thank you for sticking it out. I hope I've convinced you of the value in adding Universal to your travel plans and can't wait to hear your stories!

How Do I Start Planning a Trip?

Today we're taking it back to the beginning - I mean, waaaaay back. Let's talk about the basics of HOW to start planning your trip. We've already gone over the questions that you need to ask yourself so let's assume that you've figured out where you want to go, the length of your trip, how you're going to get there, and an idea of where you might want to stay. Next, let's break it down based on the major travel components:

• In most cases, if you are more than 4 months away from your preferred travel date then you've got quite a few options available to you. I recommend signing up on airfarewatchdog or any other travel site that will monitor airfare and alert you when the price drops. This is important because many airlines won't lower prices until 1-2 months before your trip. In fact, Huffington Post reported that 47 days is the magical number to get the lowest rate on your airfare. However, you can still feel confident in checking for package deals more than 1-2 months out because you may find a steal. 

• If you know that you want to stay at a Disney resort hotel, then I recommend booking it 2-3 months ahead of your intended travel date because that is historically the timeframe that Disney releases discounts. If it makes it any easier to remember, book your room the season before the season you plan to travel (so if you're going in fall, book in summer). Remember, you can always book your hotel, park tickets, dining plan, and extras on Disney's site with only a $200 deposit. You can also purchase airfare from the Disney site but it has to be paid in-full at time of booking and they typically don't offer any discounted fares compared to the other big name travel sites. 

• If you don't want to stay at a Disney resort, then check out hotels.com to see other properties in your desired location. This is a great way to a) see all of the options at once, b) find the hotel you want and then go to that hotel's website to check for discounts, or c) find the hotel you want and then see if hotels.com has the "pay at hotel" option. For option b, sometimes you'll see that an individual hotel website will offer a better rate for booking straight from them or they may have options to give you free extras - whether it's a free room night, free passes to an area attraction, or some other incentive. Regarding option c, I've actually used this perk myself and it's very handy. You typically won't have to pay a deposit but I've seen a couple of hotels that will require one. If you find one that doesn't then you will enter your card number to guarantee the hotel room but nothing will leave your account until you actually check in. Super helpful for people planning a trip without immediate funds available! 

• Park tickets are the most flexible option for the entire trip. Prices don't usually vary too much, but sometimes Disney will offer a deal to get an extra day for free (typically on the passes for 3 or more days). You can get tickets from any major travel site, the Disney site, a few 'discount' retailer sites (I only recommend using Undercover Tourist for Disney World and aRes Travel for Disneyland), or wait til you get to the park and purchase at the entrance. Other attractions in the area will typically work in the same fashion, unless you want to catch a popular concert that may sell out.

• If you need a rental car, then I recommend working it into a package deal with your airfare or going to an individual site and searching for a deal from your destination airport. You can do a Google search for "rental car discount" and find a discount code for pretty much any major rental car company. Budget Car Rental is especially good at giving out discounts and they even offer a little extra discount for paying in advance. If you aren't planning to pay for the rental at time of booking, then you can opt to pay for it at the time you pick it up - again, a great option for anyone that doesn't have immediate funds available. Remember, most car rental agencies will charge a deposit on the card you're using for the rental and if you plan to use a debit card then they will do a credit check before allowing you to take a vehicle. If you want to use a debit card but don't have great credit then I recommend using Dollar Rental Car because they often won't run the credit check OR if you pay a deposit online then they have to give you a car anyway (I got this information directly from a Dollar rep on my last trip). One last tip about rental cars - try to fuel up your vehicle as far from the tourist areas and airports as possible. Those places are usually super expensive, especially the gas station located near Disney Boardwalk on Disney World property.

Hopefully we've covered everything you need to know about finding the best deals for every detail of your trip. Remember, if you're expecting to dine on Disney property then you'll need to make those reservations 180 days out for Disney World and 60 days out for Disneyland! 

Disney World Caribbean Beach Resort Review

Wow it's been two weeks since the last post! I wanted to give everyone (myself included!) a little break from all of the information. I know planning a Disney trip can be exciting but it's a job in itself. This post will be a departure from the previous line of information as I prepare to give you my honest review of Walt Disney World's Caribbean Beach Resort.

Caribbean Beach Resort

The decision to book Caribbean Beach Resort for my 2014 vacation was completely involuntary. I had already selected travel dates in late February and wanted to wait for the room-only discounts to pop up. Anyone trying to plan a vacation at the beginning of the year probably knows that there are a few obstacles - such as spending money over the holidays - that can make the process more difficult than it should be. I had originally planned to book a Port Orleans resort but by the time I had the cash to snag the hotel (because I was booking through Orbitz), the only resort available was Caribbean Beach. It's not that I didn't want to stay there, just that it was not my first choice at the time. I got a great deal, though, and only ended up paying about $150/night. If you aren't utilizing the deposit option on Disney's website, then you definitely should keep updated on the travel site discounts.

Create an account on ebates.com and you could earn cashback on your booking! Be sure to check the details on the offers but you can get a bit of your money back just for clicking to the website from the ebates site first. I've earned over $120 in cashback over the past year just by using the ebates plugin for Chrome browser! (please note, I am not affiliated with ebates whatsoever - I just love how easy it is to use!)

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The physical check-in process at a Disney hotel is quite tedious. The lobby is often full and nearly everyone has a question about something. Thankfully the process is more electronic now and you don't even have to stop by the lobby to check-in anymore but in 2014 that wasn't the case. I waited in the lobby for nearly 45 minutes just trying to get checked in but the staff was very friendly and treated each person with the same candor. Finally my room was assigned to my MagicBand and I was off to the Jamaica building!

I should probably warn you here that Caribbean Beach Resort is the most spread out of all the Disney World hotels. That means lots of walking if you're stuck in a remote building such as Trinidad South. Take a look at the map for a better idea:

I was a little worried about being assigned to Jamaica but it was actually one of the better buildings on the property because it was a shorter walking distance to the common building (via the bridge across the lake) and it was the first stop on most of the theme park buses. 

As soon as we parked, we knew we were going to like our stay. The buildings are all very bright and tropically decorated. There was definitely an island feel about the property with lots of greenery. Each building has its own 'quiet' pool nestled nearby.

We paid for a standard room with a king bed and found that it was ample space for two people. I would imagine that a family of five or more would probably get cramped in the standard space with two beds. There was a towel Mickey folded and waiting for us on the bed (in true Disney fashion!) and the whole room felt warm and inviting.

A mini-fridge is tucked away in the television console/dresser space but a microwave is not available, which I hope will change in the near future. The curtain divider for the vanity area is a nice touch because it allows three spaces of privacy (the bathroom, vanity area, and bedroom) for family members that need to get ready at the same time. 

After settling into our room, we decided to explore the property with a walk across the island, known as Caribbean Cay, to the Old Port Royale common area. 

The first thing we noticed was the white sandy beach. Swimming is not allowed but there are plenty of beach activities and hammocks to make it worthy of visiting. Caribbean Cay is a beautiful little island situated in the middle of the property. Here you can find a playground and several little romantic hideaways. You can spot Old Port Royale from the island (as pictured above), with its bright theming and will typically hear noise of splashing from the main resort pool located to the east of the building. It is here that you will find the food court, a casual restaurant, and bike rentals. There were watercraft rentals available at the time of our stay but I've since heard rumor that they aren't available anymore.

Following the theme of the resort, the food court area is very colorful. I expected it to be crowded because the property is so large but we never had any issues with waiting in line. The food is decent, pretty much the same as what you can find at any quick service spot in the parks. I found that the bakery/deli area was the best place to stop for a snack and was typically restocked with new sandwiches and sweets pretty often. 

We really enjoyed our stay at Caribbean Beach Resort, which is a surprise considering we weren't incredibly hyped about being 'stuck' with this option initially. The size of the property makes it more peaceful because everyone is spread out. Disney really nailed the feeling of a vacation-within-a-vacation with this resort. You can stay at Caribbean Beach and feel like you're in the islands or come back to reality and hit up the parks. There is so much variety available that I know anyone visiting this resort will love it as much as I do!

Stay tuned and I'll give you another review of my most recent Disney World trip - and my stay at Port Orleans French Quarter!

FREE things at Disney!

Part of this blog's purpose is to share how you can save money at Disney. While there is a price tag attached to most things related to a vacation, you'll be surprised at the free and (very) cheap deals you can find if you know where to look. I'm going to break these items down by park to eliminate any confusion.

BOTH RESORTS

• It's a well-known, but highly under utilized, fact that you can bring your own snacks into the parks. At over $2 per bottle, it is definitely recommended that you bring your own water or other beverages. Keeping food on-hand is also a good idea, especially if you prefer to eat light or healthy. Disney has many fresh fruit options and other healthy alternatives but you'll need to find a kiosk specializing in those items or a quick-service location with the healthy choices listed.

• If it's your first trip to the park, or you are celebrating a special occasion, be sure to tell a cast member at the front of the park and they'll get you a nifty pin to commemorate the occasion. It's free! 

• Souvenir penny machines are fun for kids and typically cost less than a dollar to use. Both Disneyland and Disney World have these machines located all over the parks so keep an eye out if this is something you collect.

• Visit the resort hotels. This probably sounds weird - I know I was skeptical before I did it myself. This is a great practice to make if you're interested in staying at a specific hotel sometime in the future but want to check it out first. It's also a fantastic way to find great restaurants and keep the family moving on an adventure of exploration. The Disney hotels are themed incredibly well so you'll be sure to find new, fun decor at each location.

• Venture to Downtown Disney. Sure, it's a hub of shopping and entertainment but it's also a fun area with FREE live music and street performances. 

• You don't need a Disney-branded signature book to meet the characters and obtain their autographs. Bring your own notebook or a blank t-shirt/hat to create your own keepsake. 

• Pin trading has an initial cost but can be free once you've built up a collection - just walk up to any cast member with pins and offer to trade! Note: beware of eBay and other discount retail or bidding sites. Your pins must be authentic in order to trade.

• Ride the monorail! It's included in your park ticket, so why not take advantage of the one place you can sit for more than 3 minutes and let your family enjoy the view. This is a wonderful way to take a break without your kids realizing it's a break :)

DISNEY WORLD

• Head over to the Boardwalk where you can watch live street performances or enjoy inexpensive snacks from the To-Go Cart (think corn dogs, fried ravioli, mozzarella sticks).

• If you have a vehicle, take a 20 minute drive to the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Admission is free (donations accepted) and you can enjoy the 2 1/2 mile nature trail while observing plants and animals.

• Epcot is an extra special place to find great souvenirs for children because they have a program - dubbed Kidcot - with 11 stops around the World Showcase that feature arts and crafts.

• Visit the Disney Character Warehouse at the Orlando Premium Outlets for closeout prices on park souvenirs! This store is owned and operated by Disney so you are guaranteed to be purchasing actual Disney merchandise. T-shirts can be found for as cheap as $8-$10 each - compared to $20+ at the parks, that's a steal!

• Attend the Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios and learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters. Admission is free and you can take your sketch home as a nice souvenir (and memory!)

• The LEGO store mini model event occurs once a month and offers a free mini model to participants. Check the LEGO site for specific dates. 

DISNEYLAND

• The Anaheim Garden Walk is right down the road on Katella Avenue and boasts a movie theater, several restaurants, and plenty of retail shops. It's a great outdoor mall with plenty to do and see.

• California Screamin' in Disney's California Adventure offers a discounted picture after the ride - for only $1, you can have a digital copy of the picture sent to your phone or email.

• The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop offers a free sample of Ghirardelli chocolate to any person that enters the shop.

• The Boudin Bakery in Disney's California Adventure offers a free bakery tour and a sample of fresh sourdough bread. The tour lasts about 10 minutes and typically isn't crowded.

• The performers in New Orleans Square in Disneyland typically hand out free Mardi Gras beads for kids enjoying the music.

• Shrunken Ned and Pirate Red cards can be obtained from the fun machines located in South Sea Traders (Adventureland) and Pieces of Eight shop (New Orleans Square) for 50 cents each. These machines feature an animated figure that talks or sings and then gives out a collectible card.

Feel free to share your free or cheap tips so we can all save money on our next Disney trip!

Let's eat at...Disneyland!

Mmmmmm we're back to the topic of FOOD! You might think this will be a repeat post as I've already discussed the options available at Disney World but I've got news for you - everything I mention today will be UNIQUE! Well, there are a few snack items worth discussing again (warning: potentially biased opinion haha) but the meal options will be totally different. Let's hop to it!

I can't brag on Disneyland's food options enough. They have so much to offer that I guarantee there's something for everyone. Similar to the Disney World post, I'll break the options down by meal type.

First, let's discuss breakfast. There's been a lot of talk about Starbucks lately so this is probably the best place in this post to tell you where you can get it: Market House on Main Street in Disneyland; Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure; and the Starbucks location in Downtown Disney. No matter which destination you prioritize, you'll be able to sit and enjoy a coffee concoction or take it on the go! La Brea Bakery Cafe in Downtown Disney is also a popular morning destination because of their wide variety of breakfast and brunch options. If you're staying near Disneyland resort, you can also enjoy the perks of IHOP, Denny's, and McDonald's near the pedestrian entrance.

Lunch opens up quite a few more options and the list grows when you add both quick-service and casual dining restaurants to it. I usually prefer to eat lunch in the park and then enjoy dinner at Downtown Disney for a nice early-evening break. My favorite stop in Disneyland is Cafe Orleans located in New Orleans Square. The specialty item at this restaurant is the Monte Cristo sandwich - it sounds a little weird, but just try it and I bet you'll be hooked!

Clockwise from top: Salmon sandwich with sweet potato fries, braised beef crepe, and monte cristo sandwich

The Blue Bayou Restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride also serves the monte cristo sandwich - but at a higher price. Your best bet for trying this Disneyland classic is to order it at Cafe Orleans and then splurge on Blue Bayou for the next meal if you like it.

On the other side of the spectrum, California Adventure offers what many people consider to be the BEST corn dog ever! And what better placement of a corn dog shop than on Paradise Pier! Corn Dog Castle serves up hand-battered and fried corn dogs, as well as a hot-link corn dog and a cheddar cheese stick. Each delicious item arrives piping hot with chips or apple slices; at under $8, you've got yourself quite an affordable - and tasty! - meal.

(photo courtesy of Disney Food Blog)

The lunch possibilities are endless so I'll run through a short list of famous options for each park. Disneyland: fried green tomato sandwich at Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country, stuffed baked potatoes at Harbour Galley in Critter Country, and fried chicken at Plaza Inn located on Main Street, U.S.A.. California Adventure: Turkey Dip at Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land, Burrito Sonora from Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill on Pacific Wharf, and hot dogs/hot links/sausages from Award Wieners in Hollywood Land. Downtown Disney: sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich are so good that there is usually a line out the door! Check this place out for a break from the parks.

Dinner is as special at Disneyland as it is at Disney World. You have the option to pick a World of Color dining package for access to a special reserved standing area for the show: the restaurants that participate in this package deal are Wine Country Trattoria, Ariel's Grotto, and Carthay Circle Restaurant. I've only eaten at Ariel's Grotto but I've heard fantastic things about the other two options. Ariel's Grotto was nothing special. The service was awful, the decor is outdated and, frankly, a little dirty. The food, though, was pretty good. It's probably the cheapest option for the World of Color package but I think I'll pay more for better service at one of the other restaurants next time. 

Fire roasted corn cakes from Ariel's Grotto

Dessert trio at Ariel's Grotto: creme brulee, s'more truffle, and chocolate-dipped strawberry

To be clear, you are able to eat at these restaurants even if you don't make a World of Color package reservation so feel free to try them out before paying the higher price of the package. Disneyland also has new dining packages for the Fantasmic! show. You can reserve a grab & go time from Aladdin's Oasis online - then show up the day of your visit and get your meal PLUS FastPass before the show. Reservation times are between noon and 7pm. It is important to note that the meals from Aladdin's Oasis are picnic-style with a choice of three entrees for adults and three entrees for children. This is a relatively new option at Disneyland so the jury is still out. Fantasmic! also offers other dining packages paired with Blue Bayou Restaurant and River Belle Terrace. These options are similar to those offered for World of Color and are also new; I plan to participate for my December trip and will report back with my review.

If you don't want a show package, feel free to try out the buffet at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Frontierland or leave the parks and relax in Downtown Disney. My favorite dining spot is Rainforest Cafe but House of Blues, Tortilla Jo's, and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen are also great choices! 

The restaurants in Downtown Disney often have parent companies that offer email coupons and reward programs. Head over to Rainforest Cafe's Landry's Select Club to earn a $25 welcome reward, a $25 reward for every $250 spent, and a $25 birthday reward (good at all Landry's restaurants) and check out Patina Group to sign up for exclusive email offers for Tortilla Jo's, Catal Restaurant, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, and UVA Bar and Cafe - all located in Downtown Disney. Feel free to browse the other options, too, because this is an easy way to save money on your meals!

Finally, we've reached the snack options. You can't walk more than 10-20 feet without running into a snack cart at Disneyland. Popcorn, pretzels, and ice cream adorn the sidewalks and beckon to passersby. In addition to my favorite snack (the iconic Dole Whip), there are a couple of items at Disneyland that you won't want to miss. The New Orleans Mint Julep and Mickey Beignets are both fantastic options from the Mint Julep Bar located next to French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square. 

New Orleans Mint Julep

The Fantasy Funnel Cake from Stage Door Cafe in Frontierland, ice cream and chocolate concoctions at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop on Pacific Wharf, and fruit smoothies from Schmoozies in Hollywood Land are also visitor favorites. Also, if you have visited Disney World and enjoyed LeFou's Brew, then you shouldn't miss Red's Apple Freeze from the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land. It's almost an identical drink!

If you're hoping to enjoy alcoholic beverages on your trip, you'll have more luck in California Adventure than Disneyland (for the record, the ONLY place you can order alcohol inside the classic park is in the exclusive Club 33 - which is not open to the public and requires a membership + $10,000 annual fee). You can purchase adult beverages at the following locations in California Adventure: Flo's V8 Cafe, Carthay Circle Lounge at Carthay Circle Restaurant, Alfresco Tasting Terrace and Mendocino Terrace at Wine Country Trattoria, Bayside Brews, and the Cove Bar at Ariel's Grotto. Also, the nightly Mad T Party in California Adventure offers alcoholic drinks coupled with live music, games, and costumed characters amidst a glow of neon colors. 

My mom showing off the glowing ice cube in her beverage

That's it for Disneyland food - I hope I've made you hungry! Feel free to share your favorites with me so I can try them on my next trip!

So You Want to Stay...at Disneyland!

If you're looking to stay on Disneyland property, then I've got terrible news: it's quite expensive. I've never personally splurged to stay at a Disneyland hotel but I've done enough research to share a little knowledge on the subject. What I can tell you, with complete certainty, is that your choice of accommodations off-site can be just as rewarding and will probably save you a lot of money. I'm going to give a quick overview of the properties at Disneyland and then show you some comparable options nearby.

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

The most affordable of the on-site options is the Paradise Pier Hotel. It boasts a rooftop pool and water slide with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the third floor pool on select nights. In terms of location, it has the longest walking commute to the parks but rooms start at about $300/night.

Disneyland Hotel

Starting at around $400/night, you can book your stay at Disneyland Hotel. The theme is a bit more mature with a lot of throwbacks to the original Disneyland charm. One of the coolest options at this hotel is the Monorail Pool, which features two water slides and a themed children's play area. Disneyland Hotel is located near Downtown Disney and is a straight-shot walking to the park entrances.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

The most expensive, and most immersive, of the Disneyland resort hotels is the Grand Californian. The name is fitting because this hotel has it all! Rooms start at an astonishing $500/night but it is located between Downtown Disney and Disney's California Adventure - with entrances from the hotel to both locations. The theme of this hotel is quite extensive with rustic features throughout. It is also the only Disneyland resort hotel to offer spa services. If you want a convenient location with all of the bells and whistles, the Grand Californian is your best bet.

Off-Site Hotels

There are dozens of accommodations within 2-3 blocks walking distance from the pedestrian entrance of Disneyland. There are also a handful of hotels located right across the street that won't break the bank. I will caution, however, that you should check the reviews of any hotel you choose because some are questionable - especially the further down Katella Avenue you go. Here's what you need to know about the area:

Any hotel you choose on Katella Avenue is going to be at least a 15-20 minute walk to the park entrances. If you choose a hotel near the intersection of Katella Ave. and Harbor Blvd, then you'll want to utilize the main pedestrian entrance. If you are staying closer to the intersection of Katella Ave. and Disneyland Drive, then your best bet is to use the Grand Californian entrance because the pedestrian entrance on Disneyland Drive is further north (closer to Ball Rd.). As you can see, the parking structures are pretty far from the parks; there is a free tram to Downtown Disney but the wait time for the tram can be anywhere from 10-20 minutes if the parks are busy that day. Combined with the $17/day parking fee, I find that staying in a hotel across from the pedestrian entrance on Harbor Blvd. works best. 

Walking Time: 15-20 minutes

From most expensive to least, you've got Desert Palms Hotel and Suites ($200/night), Ramada Plaza Anaheim ($150/night), and Super 8 Anaheim (<$100/night). These are the hotels with which I have personal experience or know people that have stayed at these locations. There are plenty of other options in this area but if you venture too far south on Harbor Blvd. then you'll run into the Anaheim Convention Center and could potentially be stuck with a perpetual crowd of people. Also, some of the options further down (east or west) on Katella Ave. have a nasty reputation of bed bugs so make sure to check the recent reviews to see what travelers are saying.

Walking Time: 10 minutes

East of the pedestrian entrance hotels, you'll find a little nook of properties that are on a very slow street with an easy commute to the parks. These options include the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground ($200/night), the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim ($150/night), and the Quality Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort ($100/night). Of these options, I've only stayed at the Quality Inn & Suites and I can say that it is was very lovely. It's definitely a no-frills accommodation but there is an affordable gift shop on-site (affordable for souvenirs, not sundries! $7 Suave shampoo...no thanks). Also, its location is closer to the Magic Kingdom side of the Disneyland resort so you can leave the park early and still have a decent view of the fireworks on your walk back to the hotel. Have a look for yourself:

In fact, the view was pleasant enough that we sat down on the sidewalk and ate the remaining snacks from our bags. 

Walking Time: 5 minutes

I have to list 5 minutes because the pedestrian entrance itself is a bit of a trek but the hotels located across the street are the most convenient - and typically the nicest - options you'll find in the area. This list includes properties like Carousel Inn and Suites ($200/night), Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn ($150/night), and Tropicana Inn and Suites ($150/night). Some of these locations even have balconies so that you can get a good view of the fireworks from your room. I highly recommend a close, off-site hotel if you have children that require naps or if you plan to schedule a break in the middle of your day. Additionally, there is a McDonald's, IHOP, Denny's, and Mimi's Cafe located near these hotels and may prove to be a more affordable dining option than the resort food.

In addition to checking major travel booking sites, be sure to check the individual hotel websites for pricing and availability. For my upcoming trip to Disneyland in December, I wanted to book the Tropicana Inn and Suites but could only find an option on the travel sites to put down a $50 deposit and a final price of $149/night. I went to the Tropicana Inn and Suites website and was offered a free booking (no deposit) and a final price of $129/night. I saved $60 and my deposit by booking directly with the hotel! 

Please fill me in on your trip if you've stayed at a property on-or-near Disneyland! I would love to get more feedback about the options in the area.