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Showing posts with label Disney's California Adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney's California Adventure. Show all posts

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Dealing With Transportation: Part 2 - Getting Around


Our Park Mantra is “Rope Drop to Fire Works”. On all of our trips to any park, my husband and I have always agreed that if we were going to spend time in the parks, we are going to experience as much as we can in the allotted time available.

As previously mentioned, on this trip to California, we would be without a permanent form of transportation. Unlike our trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland was proving to be a little more difficult to plan. Disneyland is like its own shopping mall. Everything there is within walking distance. So at least in terms of the days we spent at the Disneyland Resort and attending D23 Convention, there was no need for the cost of a car rental or other form of transportation. 

As for the day we were going to visit Universal Hollywood, the situation was a bit different. It turns out that unlike how most of the parks in Florida are mainly in Orlando/Kissimee, Universal Hollywood was closer to Los Angeles. This is about 1 hour away from Anaheim. When looking for transportation, we asked our concierge about what most guests did in this particular situation. They mentioned that Greyhound, a major bus company, offered a service to and from your hotel. The problem was that rope droppers like my husband and I would not benefit from their system at all. A bus will pick guests up at 9:00am from their hotel and drive them to the Greyhound headquarters. From there, they will drive guests to their destination. We would not be guaranteed arrival to the park until after 12:00pm. There was also a chance that we would arrive later depending on how many other guests went on our same route. Guests would also be required to come back prior to 6:00pm in order to get back to their hotel. After finding out this information, we had to look for other options. There was no way that we would be sacrificing time in the parks when we did not know when or if we would come back to visit Universal Hollywood.

I called our hotel again and asked to speak to their concierge. After explaining our situation, he suggested that we use a Select Rent A Car. Select Rent A Car works directly with the Best Western Family of Good Neighbor Hotels in the Anaheim area. Their service includes the following:

·  A pick up from your hotel to their location.
·  Guests are only responsible for the payment of the rental for the car and the cost of any gas used while during the time of the rental.
·  At night instead of having to return the car to their location and walking home, they will allow you to park the car at your hotel. They will pick it up in the morning at no extra charge to you and the hotel will not charge a guest for a parking fee for that night. All you will have to do is leave the keys with the hotel staff and everything else is taken care of.

They also offered us a $5 promotion because of the referral from our hotel. The gentleman who runs the company is very polite and accommodating.  I highly recommend their services.

Next time, I will focus on something that was a first time for our family: Flying.


What have you done during a vacation to get around? Any other recommendations?

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Planning 101: Tickets



The first thing I researched for our great adventure was tickets. As I had mentioned before, we were going to be on our trip to California for nine days. Within these nine days, we would visit the Disneyland Resort, Universal Hollywood, and the D23 Expo.

For those of you who do not know, D23 is an official fan club created through Disney. The club was established in 2009 and is most known for sharing and involving the community in The Disney Company’s rich history. Every two years, D23 has an expo where many pieces of the company come together to showcase various aspects of what was and will come from The Disney Company and its affiliates. I have been part of this club since 2011.

In December, D23 began sending out the member ticket prices and early bird rates for this marvelous affair. I took advantage of their early bird offer and saved $102.00 (nearly 30% of the cost for general admission) for both or our tickets.

Gus, my husband, was the one who was responsible for the savings on our Disneyland Resort Tickets. He found out that our financial institution had a fantastic rewards program that offered Disneyland Park Passes. The best part was that these were Two-Day Park Hopper Passes. All we had to do was build up our points on our bank credit card. By using the credit card to pay bills and expenses, it would allow us to get 2 points per dollar spent (using their debit card would get us 1 point per dollar spent). So in terms of saving, we essentially got these tickets for free.

Finally, I want to talk about Universal Hollywood. I would like apologize just in case I offend any Universal enthusiasts. Unfortunately for me, they were terrible to deal with. Typically in Universal Orlando, there are tons of promotions available. This is especially true around the time of their Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights events. Whether it has been through Coke-a-Cola promotions, Florida Resident Discounts and other promotions, Gus has ALWAYS been able to save on tickets when he has gone to this park.

Over the span of seven months, I was given various methods that would guarantee us a discount on our set of one day park tickets. I was also told that in order to receive any of these discounts, I would have to wait until the day of our arrival in the park to purchase the tickets. In a last attempt to get things settled before our trip, I called two weeks  before our adventure was set to begin to see if there was any way to purchase the tickets ahead of time. The representative delivered the news I expected and more. None of the discount methods I had been advised of would work.

When doors are closed, God opens another.

After feeling that I had been lied to for the past several months, I was not happy. I asked to speak to a supervisor and told him our story. I also told him how mislead I felt about all the information I was given. This supervisor was kind enough to give me a special discount at the gate. It would guarantee 25% off of our total for general admission. It saved us about $43 (my total included the lowest parking fee) on both our tickets.

The one thing I learned on this journey is that no matter what is blocking your way, you have to at least try to get around it. Asking about a discount or promotion will get you a lot farther than just assuming it isn’t possible.

What have been some of the best/worst experiences you’ve had with getting tickets for your vacation?

Monday, October 7, 2013

When Reality Strikes

Can you hear the angel chorus singing "When You Wish Upon A Star" right about now?

After we made the decision that we were going to take the trip to California, it was clear we were going to need help to plan our trip. As I had mentioned before, Gus and I had never been to California (See The Decision to Make the Jump). At least in Walt Disney World, we both knew how the resort functioned and what was necessary to take to make the trip run smoothly. I had heard some information about California, specifically Anaheim, but nothing concrete.

The first thing we did was figure out the dates for our trip. Because we live only four hours away from the Walt Disney World Resort, we typically just drive up, spend the weekend, and come back before Monday rears it depressing head.

We decided to go for nine days. This would give us enough time for two fly days, a day for each park we wanted to visit, three days for the D23 Expo, and one day to site see.
I figured that the best thing to do was contact a Disney Travel Agent. There are many out there and they are willing to help make your vacation easy and memorable FOR FREE. I gave them an idea of what we wanted based on what most would ask for if they were going to the Walt Disney World Resort:

                        ·        Airline Tickets
                        ·        Rental Car
                        ·        Accommodations at a Disneyland Resort
                        ·        Tickets for the parks we wanted to visit

I’ll be honest. I almost broke down and cried when I saw the prices. A trip that was quoted at roughly $4,000 was not going to work for our wallet. After talking it over with Gus, we came to the realization that some “dream” aspects of the trip would have to go. No Disneyland Resort stay, no rental car, and we would have to plan and save wisely if we were going to make this somewhat impossible trip a reality.

©OnlyOneMarkInc

But I wanna know, has this happened to you? Were your plans nearly shattered like Cinderella’s broken glass slipper? Tell me about it. I wanna know.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Decision to Make the Jump


Gus (my husband) and I live in Miami, Florida; a tropical paradise in its own right. We also live 4 hours away from Walt Disney World. You would think that would be enough for us, but, alas, no. Like Carl and Ellie from the Pixar film UP, everyone plans a once in a lifetime adventure. Ours was to go to California. My main focus was to get to Disneyland.

We decided in December of 2012 that we would begin planning the trip. What really drove us to finally make this adventure a reality was in a sense something similar to what drove Ellie and Carl to reach Paradise Falls. Life throws you curve balls and although you do not have all the answers as to why something unexpected happens and leaves devastation in its wake, you only have one option. You have to try to turn lemons into lemonade or, in this case, make the impossible possible.


The first step was to weigh out our options. After talking to a Disney travel agent, I realized something quickly. In order to get us to California and back without breaking the bank, I was going to have to research everything. Air flights, hotel stays, park tickets: you name it. One thing I wish I had was someone to guide my way. If you are in the same boat, have no fear. I’m going to help you make the same jump we made step by step. Be warned: many bumps and great moments are on the way. Keep up with me as I tell you the marvelous tale about how Gus and Monique finally got to Disneyland.


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Last Chance to enter the Disneyland giveaway!!!!


I have teamed up with some amazing bloggers to bring you this magical giveaway!



This giveaway is brought to you by:




The winner of the giveaway will get a 4 night hotel stay at a local Orange County hotel (a moderate hotel) and 2 3-day 1 Park/day Tickets to the Disneyland and Disney California Parks. Your hotel room can be booked for up to 4 people (so you can bring the kiddos along- you just need to cover the extra park tickets). If Disneyland isn't your thing, or the cost of transportation, food, etc makes that prize less appealing, the winner can opt for $600 in Disney or Visa gift cards.


When you enter, please read the official rules in the rafflecopter box regarding travel dates, blackout dates, and hotel location (item #12 covers most of this). Just to cover the basics- this giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 and older. Travel must occur on or before June 15, 2014 and black out dates may apply during November and December of 2013.


To enter simply use the rafflecopter box below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If for any reason the rafflecopter box does not appear on your screen please ****CLICK HERE***** to go directly to the rafflecopter site to enter.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Let the Memories Begin at Sunset :)


On my first trip to Disneyland I couldn't get over how close DCA and Disneyland are and I loved the little photo ops like this sign! Be sure to enter to win a Disneyland stay!!!

To enter simply use the rafflecopter box below! & for more details visit this post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If for any reason the rafflecopter box does not appear on your screen please ****CLICK HERE***** to go directly to the rafflecopter site to enter.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Carthay Circle


I know you've all seen pictures from this angle at this fountain but it really is just such a pick me up for me.  I love love love it! :)

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Turtle Time!


I loved the Pixar Parade at DCA! Honestly, though if I hadn't stumbled upon it with the Crush and Squirt float I may not have even stopped! I love those sea turtles! 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Beautiful Buena Vista Street


This West Coast Wednesday brings us back to my favorite area in California Adventure- and its only been a couple months but man do I miss it already! From every angle this area is gorgeous!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Grizzly River Run


Grizzly River Run is a Kali River Rapids-esque raft ride in California Adventure Park... and I must say something about the theming wows me every time! :)


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

World of Color


This was one of my favorite night shows! So original and I love Paradise Pier! If you haven't been to Disneyland head over to YouTube and try to find an HD video of it and you will see what I mean!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Carsland.


I am not sure its possible not to love this place.  It fits perfect with all the Pixar themed attractions in the park (like Bug's Land and Toy Story Mania) and yet I feel like it could work in ANY Disney Theme Park all the same. I love DCA so much, I've often said here that it is everything I want from Hollywood Studioes.  I hope Imagineering looks to DHS next for some updating now that they have perfected the integration of Pixar theming into the parks and Buena Vista Street blows away any retro street Ive ever set foot on in a Disney Park. 


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Storytellers


Today is my Dad's Birthday and he is another "Walt" who inspires me so I thought I would share my favorite park statue ever.  Also, I am writing this post up ahead of time and since I had my Storytellers LE replica statue was shipped from Off the Page I will surely be gushing about it on the Picturing Disney Facebook soon enough! ;)




Sunday, July 8, 2012

Ready for Takeoff!

As we headed over to Soarin' we spotted Minnie Mouse getting ready to take a break from some photopass pictures out front in Condor Flats.  I know this is cut off and crooked but I just love how Minnie is posing, how you can see the photographer and how you can just make out the plane she is standing next to.  Aren't the "worst" pics, sometimes the best?!



Thursday, July 5, 2012

DJ's Dance & Drive


Carsland is more than just amazing views and great rides.  The hype is well worth it and here's a great example.  DJ's Dance & Drive is part parade part party... check the times guide if you are heading out to Disneyland and be sure to check it out (but beware the crowds can be huge)!


Radiator Springs


The quintessential Carsland "icon" can be found over at Radiator Springs Racers. Like many other Disney Park icons the great thing is how different each shot can truly be.  I took some standard shots, although I think the Instragram pic is my favorite because it gives it that old timey Route 66 look.



Photo Tip: When you find an icon you love snap pictures all round the land you can find it in.  This post has 4 pictures of everyone's favorite butte, however, they all look unique.  I love to send pictures to my Travel Agent and friends where they can showcase a great new icon.  


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Suitcase and a Dream


Expect lots more Newsie love here on Picturing Disney... but this seems the best place to start.  The Red Car Newsboys are probably my favorite street performers I have ever seen.  They were just fabulous and California Adventure Park was just popping with bright colors and the Newsies put on such a show! 



I have been singing one of their songs (and as many of you have seen have been willing Disney to release an updated parks album) ever since I left the show and am just smitten with the cute Newsies who arrived in DCA last month! Don't miss this adorable show (which often features Mickey Mouse himself)!



Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Good Ol' American Boardwalk


Photo Tip: Snap some pictures while you are waiting in stand by lines.  I just love Paradise Pier and don't think I could have gotten this fun view from anywhere besides the queue line on Midway Mania! Kudos to pictures for passing the time!

Happy Independence Day, Disney lovers!

Toy Story Midway Mania MANIA!




Wanna know the ONLY difference between the Disneyland and Disney World versions of this ride? Wait times!!! While this is probably the most sought after fast pass in WDW it was a 20 minutes standby way at peak time during our Disneyland trip last year!  Talk about snake in your boots!

Monday, July 2, 2012

A Bug's Land!


For some reason A Bug's Land reminded me of a land that you might find in Animal Kingdom and the Cowboy Crunchies box (with its Pixar nod to Toy Story) is my favorite part! I remember "growing" butterflies like this in elementary school!