1/12-1/17--Kids take the 'Rents

[Bunless]

We are myself (32) DH (33) my parents (60s) and his parents (50s).

DH and I are Disney fans, we go once or twice a year to DL or WDW. We decided to take our parents on that once in a lifetime trip as a thank you for all they have done for us. It was done as a surprise. They knew we were going somewhere, but not where.

For Christmas, we gave each set of parents a Bagallini messenger bag with clues inside. The clues were ponchos (water rides and sometimes rain), handwarmers (gets cold at night), travel mug with tiki room graphics on it (but nothing that said 'tiki'), a turtle orniment (Crush!), moleskin (lots of walking), some other things that I can't remember--and a packing list. They never guessed, although as soon as they found out where we were going it was all very obvious to them. We managed to keep it a secret until we were at LAX and the Disney bus pulled up and I announced 'there's our bus'! At which point there was much screaming to be had.

We stayed at the Grand Californian, in a three bedroom suite (I do have some not-great photos of the suite if anyone wants to see them). Here's the view from the (four!) balconies.









We also stayed concierge as we didn't want our parents to feel the need to buy breakfast or snacks or bottles of water. It worked well and they all loved the star treatment (as they called it). I liked it because I got alot of fresh fruit and veggies every day despite the massive amount of crap that I ate. Oh yeah, and free wine.

More to come!

[Bunless]

Monday, January 12th--Day 1

After an easy flight from Seattle, and an exciting ride on the Disneyland Express (I think everyone within earshot knew where we were going once that bus pulled up), we were able to check in at the Grand Californian and get right up to our room.

Roomwise, I'm not sure what I expected, but whatever I expected it was exceeded by the suite. It was bigger than I thought it would be...of course it was three typical rooms joined by a family area so I'm sure it's exactly what I should have expected. Maybe it was having four balconies instead of three that surprised me? don't know for sure. Maybe I was just overwhelmed by it all.

We immedietly headed up to the Craftsmans Club for some snacks. Loved the tea sandwiches and fruit, and I managed to stay away from the sweets...for the most part. Definetly grabbed some fruit, Uncrustables, and water for a later time--as this would become habit for the rest of the trip, espcially since the CC was all but deserted while we were there.

That night, we had dinner at Napa Rose. This is the one DL resteraunt that I've always wanted to go to and just hadn't yet. Everyone enjoyed themselves, but I think I lived the experience more than the rest of the party. Between the six of us, there were many different dishes to be had--but I had the Vinter's Menu with wine flight (holy cow there were alot of truffles in that menu! I think I've had my lifetime alotment!). I would always recommend getting the Vinter's Menu, it's very special, to me, being able to eat a meal beginning to end that the chef feels is the best of all that is seasonal. Of course, that meant that I had five courses as compared to everyone else's three--sorry guys.

I have now discovered something new that is a favorite now--blue cheese ice cream. Yummmmmmmmmm.

Coming up on Day Two--Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour and the Pixar Parade.

[Echie]

Love your trip report so far! Can't wait to read the rest!

Great sunset photo from your room too!

[Bunless]

Originally Posted by Echie

Love your trip report so far! Can't wait to read the rest!

Great sunset photo from your room too!

Thank you, though I have to admit that that sunset one of Paradise Pier was photoshopped. The rides were so close to the color of the sky that I felt I needed to.

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Tuesday, January 13

Day Two

After a lovely breakfast at the CC (and coffee brought from home), we made our way to the Walk in Walts Footsteps tour. Now, this could have been hit and miss. My parents I knew would love it (my father is a history buff, my mom is all about making memories) DH's parents, not so sure (they're all about riding the rides!)...DH and I...we're good with anything that enables us to forget everyday life.

We decided to do the tour in order to keep everyone coralled and focused for the first half day--it worked well and everyone enjoyed their time and seemed ready to focus on whatever they wanted to do indivually for the rest of the day once it was done. I will say, the lunchboxes were quite satisfactory for all involved. The tour guide also, quite lovely and willing (poor thing, lol) to talk to my dad for about half an hour after the tour was over.







After the tour, DHs parents went ride crazy, mine went to tour DCA, and DH and I got our first ever annual passport (woohoo!) before heading back for a nap (double woohoo!).

That evening, we met by the Corndog Castle (heaven on a stick, IMO) to take in the Pixar Parade. I seriously dream of that corndog...



I enjoyed the parade, as it was the first time we had seen it...but DH and I aren't parade people. I put it on the agenda for our parents, not for the two of us. But, indeed, quite cute and charming and enjoyed by all.





From there, we headed over to DL for some late night rides.
I FINALLY was able to ride with someone else on the teacups! (DH refuses) his father spun those teacups like there was no tomorrow--though getting four adults out of that teacup was a challenge--







We managed a few other rides (Pinnochio, Snow White, Mr. Toad, Casey Jr. Love Canal/Storybook Land, et. all.) before retreating back to the CC for a late snack and cordial and then to the room.



It was a great first day in the park, with no in-fighting to be found!

Also, the rooms in the suite...very, very quite between each other.
Downside, if you leave the sliding glass doors open, the Santa Anna winds can make every door in the suite shudder loudly.

Next up, Day three and Cafe Orleans and the Jazz Kitchen (with the sassiest waiter ever!)

[QueenDoOver]

What a wonderful thing to do for your parents. I hope my kids do that for me some day

[DLR29]

I really like your teacup pictures. Sounds like a fun trip so far!