[Disneyfever]

Hi everyone! I didn't take me computer with me, so I wasn't able to log on to DC. I missed everyone!

My DH, DS (10), and I left on Friday, Nov. 18th for Anaheim. We flew to the John Wayne (Orange County) airport. It was larger than I thought it would be, but so much smaller than LAX. We rented a car from Hertz. The car rental booths are located right next to the baggage claim area. To get the car, you just walk across the street under the parking area. All of the major car rental companies are right at the airport.

It was only a 15 minute drive to our hotel, which was located two blocks from Disneyland. Our rental car came with a GPS unit, but we brought our own. We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn. Since we booked many, many months in advance, we were able to get a deluxe room for the special internet rate of $95 per night. This includes a free breakfast.

The room was great. It had two queen beds, a nightstand, an amoire with a large TV and three dresser drawers. The bathroom had one sink, but a very long counter top. There was also a small microwave (they don't have these in every room) and a frig. The continental breakfast included croissants, doughnuts, bagels, hot and cold cereal, toast, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate and juice. We loved it. The beds were so comfortable. I usually have a hard time sleeping in hotel rooms because of the beds, but these were great.

The room was very close to the park. It was on the same side of the street and just past California Adventure. We walked half of the time and took the shuttle the other half. The shuttle ran every half hour. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone that is not staying at a Disneyland hotel. The staff was very nice too.

[Disneyfever]

We met my brother, his DW and their three children - DS (7), DD (5), & DD (3). We also met my sister and her DH and DS (1). My sister stayed at the Candy Cane two nights and the Grand Californian for three nights. The Grand Californian is in the best location possible. It is right next to California Adventure and DTD. Is is very close to the Disneyland entrance. If money didn't matter, then this is the best place to stay IMO.

We went to Disneyland and CA Adventure some days, and to Knotts one day and Universal one day.

[Disneyfever]

The crowds were moderate on Friday thru Monday, but Wed through Saturday they were horrible. I will never, ever ever ever go to Disneyland Thanksgiving week! We did have a great time because our visit was very long. We were able to do everything. The most important thing is to get to the parks when they first open. I am not a morning person, so this was hard. But we had no choice on the very crowded days.

Fastpass - we went to the parks when they first opened and got fast passes as soon as they became available. We always started with Space Mountain because that seemed to be the most popular ride. We would then save them until later on in the day or evening. They always took the fast passes even though the window of time had expired. This way, we were able to ride a lot of rides in the morning, then when the parks were crowded, we used our fast passes. It worked great.

Entrance - the lines to the left were always the shortest ones going in to the parks in the morning. We would arrive about 20 minutes before opening and always get in a line at the end. Also, if you are going on an early entry day and have already used your early entry pass, then go to a line at the very left and wait (if you arrive before the park opens to the general public). Right before the park opens to the public, they will change the turnstiles that were set for early entry to regular entry. If you hurry over as soon as they do it, you won't have to wait long.

[Disneyfever]

The Disneyland park was great. Everything was very close together, so there was not a lot of walking at all. Space Mountain is awesome. We all loved it and thought it was better than WDW. So was POC & the HM. WDW's Tower of Terror was much better though.

We loved CA Adventure. On some of the rides you can get a single rider pass at the entrance and ride the ride without a wait. Since our DS is 10, we were able to ride CA Screaming as many times as we wanted and, no matter how crowded it was, there was no wait for single riders. The Aladdin show was the best Disney show we have ever seen. It was so much better than I thought it would be. This was my DS's second favorite thing out of our entire trip.

We never ran out of things to do and always had a lot of fun each day. We also went to ESPN in DTD and DS played the games, then we ate lunch there. We saw Harry Potter at the theater there.

The HM was decorated for the holidays. They decorated every inch of the ride and it was amazing! Also, all of the Christmas lights were up everywhere. It was quite a sight at night. I think everyone should visit Disneyland at least once. It is well worth it.

[Disneyfever]

Knotts Berry Farm - We went there on Saturday. It was fine when it first opened, but got miserably crowded several hours later. We stayed for about 5 hours. DS rode the Xcellerator (after much prodding from us). He was scared at first, but now it is his favorite ride of all time. He loved it.

Universal Studios - We purchased front-of-the-line passes for this. We really had a good time there. We met my brother and his children. They weren't able to do as much as we were because his children are much younger than our DS. They left a few hours before we did. The Mummy ride was great. I didn't know it was a roller coaster when I got on it, so I was very surprised when it started taking off. It even goes backwards and everything is in the dark. It was great. The Terminator show was one of our favorite shows there. They also had a special effects show that was pretty cool. We stayed about 6 hours there. I would not recommend this for small children because there really isn't much for small children to do. I think Universal is better for older children.

[Disneyfever]

We just got back today. I feel like I could sleep for about 24 hours now! If anyone has any questions about Disneyland or CA Adventure or anything, I would be happy to answer them. It was a great trip.

[daisyd]

Welcome back! I'm glad you had a good stay at the Candy Cane, my family really likes it there too.

Were you in the park on Thursday and did you have a big Thanksgiving meal somewhere? How was it? Did you do a character meal, or skip them? Did you have a churro and think of your friends here at DC

Thanks for the TR!

[missy H]

Great TR glad you had a good time!

[Dana]

WElcome home. The trip sounded wonderful...crowds and all. It sounds like you found a way around them and still enjoyed yourself. Thanks for sharing the report.

[lovemysons]

I am so glad you posted a trip report! What was different about Space Mountain, in comparison to WDW? Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun!

[Peppertink]

Great TR! Glad you had a good time:)

[gingita]

Thanks for the great trip report!

[gina]

Sounds like you had a real good time. My family is doing the same deal. Just 3 days though. How was the driving in C.A.? Also,how far in advanced did you book the Candy Cane Inn?

[WishUponAStar]

Awww, sounds AWESOME! I have a few questions....
- how was ToT in DCA? did you ride it, was it different than the WDW original?
- how many fastpasses are you allowed at a time in DL? If you get there first thing in the morning on a busy day do you suggest getting a fastpass for Space Mountain first, or Indi?
- What is going on with the Hollywood Limo ride in DCA, is it gone yet? Is the new Monsters Inc ride under construction?

-How far is LAX from John Wayne airport? (I haven't bought my tickets yet) Did you notice an enterprise coutner near that airport?

AND, most important question of all.... are they still selling the Mickey head sourdough loafs??? One of my top 10 reason for visiting DL?!?!?


Thank you. I know I have a ton of questions but I've only been twice and when I go in June it will be my dad's first time ever so I want to make sure I am up-to-date!
Thanks!
Glad to hear it was a blast!!!

[Dopey]

Welcome back, glad you liked the Cany Cane Inn. It is our favorite.
Don't you just love Universal Studios in Ca? I loved it there. I haven't done the one in Orlando, but that's gonna change next time.

Sounds like you had a great time. Cannot wait for more...