Stupid Guest Tricks

I am a WDW veteran. I know my stuff about those parks. I just booked a quick trip to Disneyland for the DL marathon in Aug/Sep 2014. The husband and I have no idea where to start in DL! We will be staying at Tropicana Inn, and staying 4 days/3 nights. I think we are going to spend 2 days in DL and 1 day in Cali Adventure. Acceptable??? We have no idea about where to eat. I imaging we will want to do at least one nicer dinner, and counter service for the remainder of the trip. I'd like to make this count since I don't imagine we will be back in quite some time. We live too darn far away! Is it a MUST to do the WOC dining package? Will I not get to see WOC otherwise because it will be way too busy that weekend?

Any help or tips are appreciated. Like I said, I am clueless about DL.

It all depends on what you like.
go read a few Disneyland guides, I like birnbaums myself.
try to get the current editions so they will tell about the new stuff.
also read disneylands web site for up to the minute info.
I like to check out evey nook and cranny. Disneyland has stuff where you never would look, or listen.
like in front of snow whites scary adeventure in the cue lines out front, it a old looking brass apple.
if you touch it, you might hear the witch.
in toontown is a normal manhole cover, but if you step on it a certain way, the people working in the sewer make some comments. Disney is magic. you just have to find it. and it's everywhere.
find the brides ring near the haunted mansion. is it really hers? or just a old cut off pole base?
do the tombstones watch you, after you watch them?
can you find the unmarked club 33 door?
and the food is wonderful. try goofys kitchen in the hotel for breakfast.
go to some charactor meals, even if you don't bring kids.

I highly recommend the Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian Hotel.

Not much beats Story Tellers, and the buffet is all you can eat. Jolly Holiday on Main Street is very good too. Quick food menue with yummy desserts. Seatting is outside under umbrellas. A fine spot to eat and watch fireworks. The Blue Bayou is sit down inside, right by POTC. You must have reservations and menue is small. Guests love it though. While in DCA go to Carthay Circle. This is the newest fine restaurant in DCA. Beautiful decor inside with a complete wine list to enhance your meal. One just cannot visit DL without a stop or 4 at the LRW - as ktulu refers to - The Little Red Wagon Corn Dog. It is actually a very old truck which once advertized The Plaza Inn on Main Street. The Plaza in has great comfort food and even better yummy desserts.

So many things to do and see. World of color is a must, but we don't ever do the dining thing for it. Get your fast passes that morning for it and you will be able to see it just fine. We loved Blue Bayou for a nice dinner and also loved Carthay Restaurant the last time we went. Very fancy. For a less fancy meal that we never miss when we go, we love Flo's in Carsland. As Hobie and I have discussed, I am a car nut and into hot rods so this one suits me great.

As for listening, go into the side streets on main st and listen to what is going on above you in the shops and apartments up there. I could spend hours just doing that. Have a dole whip while you watch tiki room. They don't let you eat inside the tiki room in world, but they do in land.

Make sure to watch the shows in fantasy faire. They are so fun. My kids love to get a treat from Maurice's cart and watch the shows.

Cafe Orleans is a favorite of ours. You can enjoy the Mint Juleps (or overdose on them really) while you enjoy lunch/dinner. If you don't eat there or Blue Bayou, you can grab a Mint Julep from the New Orleans Station side of the French Market, there is a small window where you can get beverages and snacks. I highly recommend Carthay Circle Restaurant at DCA.

Get to DCA early to snag fast passes for Racers, then hop in line just before park closing to get a 2nd ride on it. Check out the various items from the Cars Toons in the queue for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.

Also, don't forget to check out the Flag Retreat at Disneyland! Grab a corn dog from the LRW on your way to the Flag Retreat!

andfar wrote:I just booked a quick trip to Disneyland.... The husband and I have no idea where to start in DL! We will be staying at Tropicana Inn, and staying 4 days/3 nights. I think we are going to spend 2 days in DL and 1 day in Cali Adventure. Acceptable?

That's enough to get you a taste.

We have no idea about where to eat. I imaging we will want to do at least one nicer dinner, and counter service for the remainder of the trip.

Best food on property is at Napa Rose in the Grand Californian. Outstanding food and service. They also offer a "chef's counter" program, where they ask your general likes and dislikes, and the kitchen trys to knock your socks off. Wine pairings can be added, which is a good choice.

I also have to give a pitch for The Ranch, about a mile east on Ball. Run by Michael Jordan (the short pale one with the Master Somallier certificate who used to run Napa Rose), it's even more impressive.

Is it a MUST to do the WOC dining package? Will I not get to see WOC otherwise because it will be way too busy that weekend?

World of Color is something you should see up close the first time, and the dining package is the best way to do so. I'm not sufficiently familiar with what DCA restaurants are offering today and which offer that package, but yeah, it's a good idea. That park can get way crowded during the show.

Thanks a ton! You are the best!

BTW, the new site looks good. I am going to try to hang out a little more often. Work and kids always seem to get in the way!

Zazu wrote:I also have to give a pitch for The Ranch, about a mile east on Ball. Run by Michael Jordan (

Zazu, do you mean The Ranch Saloon, 1025 East Ball Road? The tall building with blue lighted top. I didn't know Michael Jordan owned The Ranch. Interesting. I go there once a month to listen to a favorite band. I know the manager, floor manager, sound guy is awesome, and their security is great. I park, security meets me, and escorts me in to a front row table. I'll have to ask my friends in band about Michael Jordan. Interesting. You sure get around Zazu. I do recommend dinner and late night snacks at The Ranch.

The Ranch was the dream and concept of founder and owner Andrew Edwards. Sommelier is Michael Jordan, but not the BB player Michael Jorden. This was the txt I just received from The Ranch floor manager.