What do you do when you have no Disney trips coming up? Whether Disney or otherwise, without a trip, there becomes a lull in life. Sure, you go through the motions of life. Work. Take care of the kids. Enjoy a hobby or two. Sleep. Cook. Clean. But, if you're like me, those trips, especially Disney trips, are what really get you going in life. So what do you do between trips?
1. Count the days until your next trip. My next Disneyland trip is approximately 3 months, 1 week, and 4 days away. I'm waiting for that magical 60 day mark when I can start making dining reservations. In the meantime, I am trying to decide where to dine since the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is closed. Character meals are nice, but expensive and take a lot of time. I'd love to do Blue Bayou, but my kids are still a little young. Contemplating Ariel's Grotto since we haven't really done that one. But really, where would be a good place to take the kids.
2. Planning outfits for the next trip. When you have kids, dressing them for Disney can be a lot of fun. Our next trip will be 4 days, 3 nights. Day 1: Star Wars. Day 2: Frozen or Disney Jr. Day 3: Marvel. Day 4: Classic Characters. The possibilities are endless.
3. Disneybounding and Cosplay. Do you know how many ways you can create an outfit inspired by your favorite character? I kind of stink at Disneybounding. It's hard to find the elements I need. But you know what? It's still super fun. Cosplay, too. I keep seeing these aprons on Etsy that would make it really easy to be comfortable and do easy costume changes during D23 next year. I'm wondering if I'm crafty enough to make one. Maybe I should just buy one off the people who are good at doing them. My talent for sewing is also limited.
4. The Forums. OMG, the forums. If you're a hard-core Disney fan, the forums are the places to be. If you're like me, you belong to multiple forums. But, if you're just getting started, you might be startled at the differences between fan forums. DIS, for instance, tends to be the friendly forum. They are generally very welcoming to people asking for help planning trips and discussions tend to be on what your favorite restaurant for ADR or strategies for making the most out of the FP system. Micechat. Now that one's interesting. Micechat tends to be the place to talk about all the newest and craziest rumors. But, at the same time, with the devotion and discussion comes a greater chance for debate, complaint, and intensity. Micechat is not for the faint of heart. Don't be offended if people don't agree with you. It's about the passion for Disney. There's also Mouseplanet and a handful of other, less notable forums. I'm not actively engaged in these, so I can't speak on them, but from what I've seen of Mouseplanet, it again is its own universe, generally somewhere between DIS and Micechat on the continuum. Anyway, these can provide hours of discussion and entertainment while also giving you some new insight.
5. Visiting other theme parks. I'm doing this tomorrow actually. Universal Studios is a personal favorite and great for a day-trip. It's also a fantastic place to go alone since they are among the best at accommodating single-riders. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is, in fact, perhaps a bit more spectacular than even Disney properties in terms of its immersiveness. Plus, it's rarely as crowded as Disneyland.
6. Disney movies and TV shows. In my house, with my 3 children ages 6 and under, Disney rules. We watch Sofia, Mickey, Frozen, Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph, and many others on a regular basis. So, which will it be today? Who knows? We love them all.
7. Trips to the Disney Store and other merchandising opportunities. Who doesn't love the Disney Store? Sure, it's not quite as epic and amazing as the Disney Store of the 90s, but it's still super fun. Buying new Disney themed toys, clothing, and mugs is always fun. Kohl's, Target, Children's Place, JCPenny, Walmart, and Old Navy also have some pretty cool stuff depending on the price point you're willing to spend. Even if you're not buying, it's pretty entertaining to look.
So, what do you do between trips? Because honestly, I'm going through withdrawals just a bit and kicking myself that I won't be able to get back before the 60th entertainment disappears.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Road Trip to Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Part 3
Ah, Santa Cruz, California. Known primarily for progressive thinking, the hippie lifestyle, amazing beaches, and even better surfing, Santa Cruz has been near and dear to my heart for some years. I had the pleasure of attending college at UC Santa Cruz and living in the area for 3 years. As such, I was excited to show my children a little bit about the place that helped shape me into who I am today.
Before even visiting Monterey, just after arriving at our hotel after our long drive up, my husband and I took our kids straight to Santa Cruz for a little taste of beach life. We headed to West Cliff Drive, a beautiful road on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's a path here for bike riders, roller bladers, walkers, and joggers. Parking at one end, you can easily walk to the other end in about 1 hour's time. The road is lined with small beaches, gorgeous beach houses, and a cute little lighthouse that doubles as a surf museum.
At the northern end of the approximately 2 mile walk is Natural Bridges State Beach. While not the easiest beach to access (the walk down to the beach is significantly easier than the schlep back up the massive sand dune), this is perhaps one of the most beautiful. Here, you can picnic, explore the tide pools, wade through the waves, and check out local wildlife, including occasional sightings of whales, sea lions, otters, and more. In the winter, monarch butterflies also make this park their home. To park onsite, you need to pay, but your money will go directly to supporting our state beaches. As an alternative, you will see that some people choose to park on a nearby road and walk in, but please be cautious as many roads do not allow parking without a permit. There are very few exceptions.
Beaches and Santa Cruz in general can be unpredictable in terms of weather, so wear layers. For example, when my family and I were here this past trip, it was at least 85 degrees outside and undeniably hot, especially combined with higher humidity. When I was there alone a month before, I was almost cold as the temperatures never got above 65. By layers, for those of you not from California, I mean a t-shirt or tank top (possibly both) covered by a light hoodie, and in the winter possibly even a jacket. On the bottom, you can wear shorts, but depending on how easily you get cold, maybe bring some pants in the car. Definitely wear long pants in the winter.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, or UCSC, is also a great place to explore. While the university itself is much like any other university in terms of buildings, lecture halls, and dorms, UCSC is something special. Built on roughly 2,001 acres, UCSC makes use of the nature around it. From sprawling fields to lush forests, there's a little bit of everything here. If you can get to campus early in the morning before the masses of students awaken from their slumber, you can enjoy quiet walks and hikes along the paths between colleges, areas of campus housing and lecture halls themed based on 10 core concepts, such as social justice, globalization, and environmental awareness. The campus also back up to a wildlife reserve, giving you plenty of chances to become one with nature. It's common to come across deer, a variety of birds, and yes, even banana slugs (the campus mascot).
Our other main point of exploration on this particular trip was the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you come in the summer, plan to spend at least one day here. There is plenty to do. In the winter, depending on weather, consider only half a day. There are indoor activities including a miniature golf course, pool tables, and a truly massive arcade, but the real fun is outside at one of the best seaside amusement parks in the United States, if not the world. Highlights include the Loof Carousel, built in 1911, and the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States, which opened in 1924. Both are historical landmarks and both are must-ride attractions. The carousel is one of few remaining with opportunities to reach for the brass ring. The roller coaster, though old, is one of the most thrilling wooden coasters in existence. For Disneyland enthusiasts, compare this classic to California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure. While I cannot find any evidence to support my claims, I swear some elements were taken straight from the Giant Dipper. Other interesting rides include the classic Cave Train, great for the kids, a standard Ferris wheel, and other rides you would typically see at a carnival. The food offerings at the Boardwalk are generally pretty typical carnival foods such as garlic fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, and even deep fried Twinkies. But, if you're looking for something special, Marini's will satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly pulled saltwater taffy and other delicious candies. On this past trip, I think I even spotted a Dole Whip cart, again, for all of the Disney fans out there.
In the summer, the Boardwalk offers free movies on the beach every Wednesday night, free concerts on Fridays, and bargain nights with cheaper prices. If you're going to this area, there's really no better place to be. If I sound like a commercial, I apologize. I worked there once upon a dream.
In terms of food, there are about a million fantastic little places in Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. While we were there, we ate 2 meals at Las Palmas Taco Bar, one of our favorites from when we lived in the area. Everyone has a different opinion on Mexican food, but to me, this place hands down has the best tacos I have ever had. The burritos, enchiladas, and other items on the menu are also quite good. As an added bonus, this is one of the few places I know of that sells RC Cola instead of the mainstream soda brands.
We did not have enough time on our trip to visit any of our other favorite places to eat. If you're looking for a great diner, check out the Santa Cruz Diner on Ocean Street. Their menu is huge and they have everything from typical diner food to pho. Some of you might have even seen them some years ago on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If you're looking for some vegetarian/vegan diner food, Saturn Cafe is the place to be. While the food is nothing spectacular, except the desserts which are to die for, the place is quirky and sums up everything there is to know about Santa Cruz in one small restaurant. Erik's Deli has some of the best sandwiches and soups in town. Go there. If you're a sandwich fan, you shouldn't be disappointed. For amazing hot chocolate, make a stop at Chocolate, down on Pacific Avenue. The food is great, too, but drinking their hot chocolate is like drinking a melted chocolate bar. Finally, for a classic ice cream shop experience, check out Marianne's, where they have been making homemade ice cream for over 50 years.
So, that sums it up. Everything we did on our brief tour of Santa Cruz and Monterey and then some. I hope you enjoyed it and that it inspires you to take a road trip, either here or to some other distant location. Explore with your children. There is so much fun to be had.
Before even visiting Monterey, just after arriving at our hotel after our long drive up, my husband and I took our kids straight to Santa Cruz for a little taste of beach life. We headed to West Cliff Drive, a beautiful road on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's a path here for bike riders, roller bladers, walkers, and joggers. Parking at one end, you can easily walk to the other end in about 1 hour's time. The road is lined with small beaches, gorgeous beach houses, and a cute little lighthouse that doubles as a surf museum.
At the northern end of the approximately 2 mile walk is Natural Bridges State Beach. While not the easiest beach to access (the walk down to the beach is significantly easier than the schlep back up the massive sand dune), this is perhaps one of the most beautiful. Here, you can picnic, explore the tide pools, wade through the waves, and check out local wildlife, including occasional sightings of whales, sea lions, otters, and more. In the winter, monarch butterflies also make this park their home. To park onsite, you need to pay, but your money will go directly to supporting our state beaches. As an alternative, you will see that some people choose to park on a nearby road and walk in, but please be cautious as many roads do not allow parking without a permit. There are very few exceptions.
Beaches and Santa Cruz in general can be unpredictable in terms of weather, so wear layers. For example, when my family and I were here this past trip, it was at least 85 degrees outside and undeniably hot, especially combined with higher humidity. When I was there alone a month before, I was almost cold as the temperatures never got above 65. By layers, for those of you not from California, I mean a t-shirt or tank top (possibly both) covered by a light hoodie, and in the winter possibly even a jacket. On the bottom, you can wear shorts, but depending on how easily you get cold, maybe bring some pants in the car. Definitely wear long pants in the winter.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, or UCSC, is also a great place to explore. While the university itself is much like any other university in terms of buildings, lecture halls, and dorms, UCSC is something special. Built on roughly 2,001 acres, UCSC makes use of the nature around it. From sprawling fields to lush forests, there's a little bit of everything here. If you can get to campus early in the morning before the masses of students awaken from their slumber, you can enjoy quiet walks and hikes along the paths between colleges, areas of campus housing and lecture halls themed based on 10 core concepts, such as social justice, globalization, and environmental awareness. The campus also back up to a wildlife reserve, giving you plenty of chances to become one with nature. It's common to come across deer, a variety of birds, and yes, even banana slugs (the campus mascot).
Our other main point of exploration on this particular trip was the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you come in the summer, plan to spend at least one day here. There is plenty to do. In the winter, depending on weather, consider only half a day. There are indoor activities including a miniature golf course, pool tables, and a truly massive arcade, but the real fun is outside at one of the best seaside amusement parks in the United States, if not the world. Highlights include the Loof Carousel, built in 1911, and the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States, which opened in 1924. Both are historical landmarks and both are must-ride attractions. The carousel is one of few remaining with opportunities to reach for the brass ring. The roller coaster, though old, is one of the most thrilling wooden coasters in existence. For Disneyland enthusiasts, compare this classic to California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure. While I cannot find any evidence to support my claims, I swear some elements were taken straight from the Giant Dipper. Other interesting rides include the classic Cave Train, great for the kids, a standard Ferris wheel, and other rides you would typically see at a carnival. The food offerings at the Boardwalk are generally pretty typical carnival foods such as garlic fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, and even deep fried Twinkies. But, if you're looking for something special, Marini's will satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly pulled saltwater taffy and other delicious candies. On this past trip, I think I even spotted a Dole Whip cart, again, for all of the Disney fans out there.
In the summer, the Boardwalk offers free movies on the beach every Wednesday night, free concerts on Fridays, and bargain nights with cheaper prices. If you're going to this area, there's really no better place to be. If I sound like a commercial, I apologize. I worked there once upon a dream.
In terms of food, there are about a million fantastic little places in Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. While we were there, we ate 2 meals at Las Palmas Taco Bar, one of our favorites from when we lived in the area. Everyone has a different opinion on Mexican food, but to me, this place hands down has the best tacos I have ever had. The burritos, enchiladas, and other items on the menu are also quite good. As an added bonus, this is one of the few places I know of that sells RC Cola instead of the mainstream soda brands.
So, that sums it up. Everything we did on our brief tour of Santa Cruz and Monterey and then some. I hope you enjoyed it and that it inspires you to take a road trip, either here or to some other distant location. Explore with your children. There is so much fun to be had.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Road Trip to Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Part 2
For our recent trip to the Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz area, we chose to stay in the quaint little town of Aptos, just south of Santa Cruz. We wanted to avoid the beach traffic in Santa Cruz because, as former residents of the area, we knew how bad it could be getting around the town on a high tourist day. Aptos is a cute area, one of the more affluent parts of this region, and provides access to both beaches and forest hiking. We stayed at the Best Western Seacliff Inn, which is within walking distance of beaches and a grocery store for your food needs.
The hotel is right off of Highway 1 and easy to access. I am always skeptical of Best Westerns as some of them are wonderful and others are severely lacking. However, with a AAA discounted price at $143 per night and free breakfast, our family was sold. In Santa Cruz or Monterey, even cheaper motels frequently go for $200+ per night and can occasionally be in unsafe areas (especially in Santa Cruz).
Best Western Seacliff Inn was one of the beautiful Best Westerns we have ever stayed in. I will say that it's an older hotel and the walls were a bit thin. This was not really an issue for us, but I did feel a little bad for our neighbors our first night as my toddler daughter had a bit of a tantrum trying to fall asleep. However, I will also mention that each room comes with one pair of good quality earplugs and you can ask for more at the front desk.
Aside from noise issues, I have no complaints. Our first floor room came with a lanai, which in our case backed right up into the parking lot. Perfect for bringing our luggage in without too much effort. There are also rooms with a pool or courtyard view for a higher price. On the second floor, you get a balcony instead of a lanai.
My children loved the pool. It's heated, but not super warm, so depending on how warm you like your pool, you may or may not be happy. There's also a cute little koi pond by the restaurant. My older child had fun watching the fish swimming by. Overall, this was a great hotel for the price. I would gladly return again. Sorry, no pictures of the hotel this time. But, you can get a pretty good view on TripAdvisor.
On the first full day of our trip, we drove down to Monterey to enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world and if you have an opportunity to go here, don't miss it. There are otters, various fish, jellies, and more, all on exhibit for you to see. My favorite have always been the octopus, jellies, and large fish (the tuna are especially impressive in size). The aquarium also has interactive exhibits for kids and many learning opportunities. It's a great place to go for children and adults of all ages. And, as an added bonus, Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are within walking distance along a beautiful path. I recommend parking at the wharf and walking in so you can see all the area has to offer.
After our excursion to the aquarium, we went about 2 blocks away from the wharf to one of the best parks I have ever been to--Dennis the Menace Park. Located on Pearl Street, this park offers fun for kids of all ages. They have the standard equipment you'd expect for a park, including sets for toddlers, young children, and older kids. In addition, there's a huge roller slide, tunnels, a small hedge maze, rock climbing, and a train engine. Unfortunately, you cannot explore the train engine anymore (when I was younger, you could), but it's still a fun sight to see. My kids could spend hours here just running off all their energy. Parents might wear themselves out, too.
In the third and final part of this trip report, I will discuss highlights of Santa Cruz, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, exploring West Cliff Drive, the best taco stand I've ever been to, and taking walks at UC Santa Cruz.
The hotel is right off of Highway 1 and easy to access. I am always skeptical of Best Westerns as some of them are wonderful and others are severely lacking. However, with a AAA discounted price at $143 per night and free breakfast, our family was sold. In Santa Cruz or Monterey, even cheaper motels frequently go for $200+ per night and can occasionally be in unsafe areas (especially in Santa Cruz).
Best Western Seacliff Inn was one of the beautiful Best Westerns we have ever stayed in. I will say that it's an older hotel and the walls were a bit thin. This was not really an issue for us, but I did feel a little bad for our neighbors our first night as my toddler daughter had a bit of a tantrum trying to fall asleep. However, I will also mention that each room comes with one pair of good quality earplugs and you can ask for more at the front desk.
Aside from noise issues, I have no complaints. Our first floor room came with a lanai, which in our case backed right up into the parking lot. Perfect for bringing our luggage in without too much effort. There are also rooms with a pool or courtyard view for a higher price. On the second floor, you get a balcony instead of a lanai.
My children loved the pool. It's heated, but not super warm, so depending on how warm you like your pool, you may or may not be happy. There's also a cute little koi pond by the restaurant. My older child had fun watching the fish swimming by. Overall, this was a great hotel for the price. I would gladly return again. Sorry, no pictures of the hotel this time. But, you can get a pretty good view on TripAdvisor.
On the first full day of our trip, we drove down to Monterey to enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world and if you have an opportunity to go here, don't miss it. There are otters, various fish, jellies, and more, all on exhibit for you to see. My favorite have always been the octopus, jellies, and large fish (the tuna are especially impressive in size). The aquarium also has interactive exhibits for kids and many learning opportunities. It's a great place to go for children and adults of all ages. And, as an added bonus, Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are within walking distance along a beautiful path. I recommend parking at the wharf and walking in so you can see all the area has to offer.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Road Trip to Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz--Part 1
Ah, road trips. It's what we dream of as teenagers, perhaps actually enjoy in college or in our 20s. But, what about road trips with kids? Road trips with a 6-year-old and 2-year-old twins, one of whom gets car sick. Yeah. That's us. I know we usually talk about southern California and Disneyland in particular, but there's a whole world of things to do in California if you know how to get there.
In this 3-part series, I will touch on one of my favorite road trips to take with or without kids. Part 1 will be about the road trip itself. Part 2 will be about the hotel we chose (Best Western Seacliff Inn, Aptos) and Monterey. Part 3 will be about Santa Cruz.
My family recently packed up our bags and took a 4-day trip to Monterey and Santa Cruz, located on the Central California coast. Four days isn't much for a trip, mind you, especially when you consider a 6 hour drive up and 6 hours back. The good news? It's a beautiful drive (if you take the 101 or highway 1). The bad news--it's 6 hours in the car with 3 kids.
First off, tips for a successful drive:
Now, assuming you take highway 101, where do you stop? We like to leave around 6AM. From our house, that puts us in Santa Barbara around 7:30 or 8AM depending on traffic. Typically, we don't stop here, but if you need a bathroom or a stretch, it's not a bad option, and really the only larger town/city for a while. We tend to stop at the rest stop just south of Buellton. It's good for a bathroom break and one of the prettier rest stops in southern/central CA. We get our gas in Pismo Beach. It's not the cheapest gas, and you might only be on 1/2 a tank and think you don't need to stop, but Pismo is easier to navigate than San Luis Obispo. There's a Chevron right off the freeway with a Jack in the Box attached if you need a snack. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is also off the same exit. Back on the road, we drive to King City. I'd like to say don't stop in King City, but we are always ready for lunch by the time we get there (around 11:30AM). Options are limited, but it is what it is. On the road again. I recommend not stopping in Salinas. Just drive straight to Monterey or Santa Cruz or wherever you're staying. In our case, that meant Aptos, a small town between the two cities, closer to Santa Cruz though.
In the next update, I will describe our hotel, the Best Western Seacliff Inn, and take you on our little trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park.
In this 3-part series, I will touch on one of my favorite road trips to take with or without kids. Part 1 will be about the road trip itself. Part 2 will be about the hotel we chose (Best Western Seacliff Inn, Aptos) and Monterey. Part 3 will be about Santa Cruz.
My family recently packed up our bags and took a 4-day trip to Monterey and Santa Cruz, located on the Central California coast. Four days isn't much for a trip, mind you, especially when you consider a 6 hour drive up and 6 hours back. The good news? It's a beautiful drive (if you take the 101 or highway 1). The bad news--it's 6 hours in the car with 3 kids.
First off, tips for a successful drive:
- Bring snacks. Lots of them. And drinks, too. But not too many unless your kids are in diapers.
- Bring toys. Something the kids can play with in the car. My toddlers enjoy cars. My 6-year-old prefers his 3ds.
- Coloring. My kids can keep themselves busy for at least an hour scribbling in little notebooks. It's a great thing.
- Portable entertainment. We use our cell phones or a tablet. A portable DVD player works, too. At some point, it was all that kept our kids sane. And hey, if you have t-mobile, Netflix doesn't count toward your data. Sweet!
- Did I mention snacks?
- hand sanitizer
- paper towels
- spare clothes
- children's dramamine (children's benadryl will do in a pinch as it reduces nausea)
- a hat (or a small plastic receptacle, but my husband just kept catching the puke in his hat)
Now, assuming you take highway 101, where do you stop? We like to leave around 6AM. From our house, that puts us in Santa Barbara around 7:30 or 8AM depending on traffic. Typically, we don't stop here, but if you need a bathroom or a stretch, it's not a bad option, and really the only larger town/city for a while. We tend to stop at the rest stop just south of Buellton. It's good for a bathroom break and one of the prettier rest stops in southern/central CA. We get our gas in Pismo Beach. It's not the cheapest gas, and you might only be on 1/2 a tank and think you don't need to stop, but Pismo is easier to navigate than San Luis Obispo. There's a Chevron right off the freeway with a Jack in the Box attached if you need a snack. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is also off the same exit. Back on the road, we drive to King City. I'd like to say don't stop in King City, but we are always ready for lunch by the time we get there (around 11:30AM). Options are limited, but it is what it is. On the road again. I recommend not stopping in Salinas. Just drive straight to Monterey or Santa Cruz or wherever you're staying. In our case, that meant Aptos, a small town between the two cities, closer to Santa Cruz though.
In the next update, I will describe our hotel, the Best Western Seacliff Inn, and take you on our little trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Legoland Summer 2016
I had the pleasure of enjoying a 5-day trip to Legoland this past week. Our school district got out earlier than a lot of them this year, which means we got to enjoy the sunshine without as many crowds.
We stayed at the Hyatt House in Carlsbad this time in a 2 queen studio suite. There were 2 beds, a couch, a work space, a bathroom with a tub (perk as a parent of little ones), and a small kitchen with a full refrigerator. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay. We were on the top floor, pool side. There was very minimal if any noise, which meant a peaceful night for the whole family. The beds were extremely comfortable. The free breakfast at this hotel is also among the better breakfasts I've seen in hotels recently. In addition to the waffles, pastries, and usual breakfast meats, they offered 2 choices of eggs each day (with or without vegetables), potatoes, a few different cereals, fruits, and more.
Legoland was, as usual, lovely if you have little kids. Not much for us adults, but it's still great to see the kids' faces light up. This time, we experienced the new Ninjago area. The ride is exceptional for Legoland and very similar to Toy Story Midway Mania at Disneyland, except instead of using a shooter, you simply aim and shoot using hand motions. Extremely fun and entertaining.
We also happened to be at Legoland for Star Wars Weekend this year. It's definitely worth going if you are a huge Star Wars fan like we are. While it was not planned, it was a very happy surprise. People from I am assuming the 501st Legion and other Star Wars groups came dressed for photo opportunities. Music from the movies was playing and there were little events set up in various areas. It added a certain element which Legoland usually lacks for me. I'm sort of curious if they will be able to continue this weekend event once Star Wars Land opens at Disneyland in a few years. Only time will tell.
The Sea Life Aquarium was another treat we hadn't explored before. While it's a small aquarium and nothing compared to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it is a cute place for kids to explore sea life. We especially enjoyed seeing the lego theming throughout.
As a sidenote, I finally tried the Ramen at Legoland. It probably wasn't the best ramen in the world, but it was some darned good soup. Something different and relatively healthy (or at least healthy feeling compared to hot dogs and pizza). Give it a try the next time you go.
We stayed at the Hyatt House in Carlsbad this time in a 2 queen studio suite. There were 2 beds, a couch, a work space, a bathroom with a tub (perk as a parent of little ones), and a small kitchen with a full refrigerator. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay. We were on the top floor, pool side. There was very minimal if any noise, which meant a peaceful night for the whole family. The beds were extremely comfortable. The free breakfast at this hotel is also among the better breakfasts I've seen in hotels recently. In addition to the waffles, pastries, and usual breakfast meats, they offered 2 choices of eggs each day (with or without vegetables), potatoes, a few different cereals, fruits, and more.
Legoland was, as usual, lovely if you have little kids. Not much for us adults, but it's still great to see the kids' faces light up. This time, we experienced the new Ninjago area. The ride is exceptional for Legoland and very similar to Toy Story Midway Mania at Disneyland, except instead of using a shooter, you simply aim and shoot using hand motions. Extremely fun and entertaining.
We also happened to be at Legoland for Star Wars Weekend this year. It's definitely worth going if you are a huge Star Wars fan like we are. While it was not planned, it was a very happy surprise. People from I am assuming the 501st Legion and other Star Wars groups came dressed for photo opportunities. Music from the movies was playing and there were little events set up in various areas. It added a certain element which Legoland usually lacks for me. I'm sort of curious if they will be able to continue this weekend event once Star Wars Land opens at Disneyland in a few years. Only time will tell.
The Sea Life Aquarium was another treat we hadn't explored before. While it's a small aquarium and nothing compared to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it is a cute place for kids to explore sea life. We especially enjoyed seeing the lego theming throughout.
As a sidenote, I finally tried the Ramen at Legoland. It probably wasn't the best ramen in the world, but it was some darned good soup. Something different and relatively healthy (or at least healthy feeling compared to hot dogs and pizza). Give it a try the next time you go.
Monday, February 15, 2016
It's Been a While...And...My New Legoland Project
So...to my 2 readers out there who were waiting for me to actually write something new, sorry it's been such a long wait. In the period of time since my last blog post, I have been on 1 other multi-day trip to Disneyland. We stayed at the new Courtyard Waterpark hotel across the street for Disneyland and it was absolutely worth the cost of the rooms. Unfortunately, my pictures of the room got deleted and the trip itself was a disaster due to quite a few circumstances that did not involve anything that could have been controlled, so no detailed reviews, sorry. Sadly, my annual passes expired at the beginning of this month. We are trying to save money to go to Disney World in 5 years or so, so we're not renewing. Never fear, we will still go to Disneyland at least once per year...just not monthly. That being said, we're trying something new this year...Annual Passes to Legoland.
Before you skewer me (the Disney fan in me is kicking myself), keep in mind that it's a great place for kids. My kids (5 and 2) love it. So...I'm trying to make the most of it. Legoland is great, as I've written about in the past. Not as great as it could be, but it should be an exciting year for Legoland. And, my plan is to help you with your planning. Families of 5+ often struggle to find accommodations. I've done the Legoland Hotel, and it's great, but let's face it, how many larger families can actually afford $300+ per night? I'm determined to find good deals that work.
First up was the new Fairfield Inn in Carlsbad. This was our first trip on the passes, a Christmas gift, so we went during the week directly following Christmas. We paid about $140 for the 2 queen bed room. The hotel was new and gorgeous. Hotel staff was friendly. Unfortunately, our room did not have a tub, which was not good for our kids. We made it work, but oddly enough, when I complained to Marriott about this, they told me I should have gotten a 2-queen room as all 2-bed rooms have a tub. Umm...okay? I had a 2 queen room. When I told them this, I got no further reply. Hmmm...I won't go into detail because it's been a while, but I'd say it was a mixed blessing. Rooms were nice and beds were great. The tub thing was annoying, but not necessarily a deal-breaker. And, hey, free breakfast! But, what really bothered me was the noise. At 10PM, we could still hear people talking loudly in the hallway. There was approximately a 1-inch gap under the door, which was extremely frustrating. And...well, let's just say we felt really bad for our neighbors having to listen to our kids cry all night since we could hear everyone else's problems. The hotel in general gets great reviews, so maybe it was just a singular bad experience, or maybe it just wasn't the right hotel for our family with young children. I'm not sure. Good proximity to Legoland for the price though (about 2 miles, 10 minute drive).
Legoland for the holidays was fun. It wasn't terribly crowded and they do a snow play area. The cool weather was nice, too. We missed the fireworks, but they do run fireworks the week after Christmas along with other special holiday events. I have to say, while it was great, I missed the water parks...can't wait for them to open in spring.
This past President's Day weekend, we went on a second trip. This time, we stayed at the Homewood Suites across the street from the small airport in town. Comparatively, it was a much better experience. The cost was relatively similar (about $130) for 2 queen beds, a living area with a sofa bed, and a small kitchen with a full size refrigerator. This is a slightly older hotel, so there were some signs of wear and tear, but it was within reason. The room was clean. There was a bathtub. And, most importantly, it was quiet. They also have a free breakfast. It's the exact same food offered at most hotels, but the space was much bigger and there was plenty of seating when we went at 7 (breakfast runs from 6-9). A perk we didn't know about but might make use of in the future is that pets are welcome for a small cleaning fee. This is nice for us as if we come for a week, we might want to bring our dog instead of trying to find a sitter. Overall, this was an exceedingly nice hotel for the price.
I thought Legoland would not be too crowded in February, but I was wrong. It was probably the combination of President's Day Weekend, Valentine's Day, and gorgeous 75-85 degree weather. Anyway, aside from the surprising amount of crowds and the well-known but frustrating nonetheless wait times/lines, we had a great time. With it being so warm, we really missed the water park, indicating to me yet again that Legoland is more of a spring/summer trip unless you have annual passes, but otherwise, we saw quite a bit and my oldest got to ride on everything he wanted to.
We're looking forward to another visit during Spring Break, a longer on in June after the Ninjago themed area opens, and a couple more in the Fall. The plan is to stay at a new hotel each time so we can share our impressions with you, but I have to say, we're pretty much sold on the Homewood Suites for now. I know in June we'll be doing 4 night at the Hyatt House. If there are any other hotels (especially those with suites) that you're interested in hearing our impressions of, let me know. We'll try to get as many in as possible on our trips.
Before you skewer me (the Disney fan in me is kicking myself), keep in mind that it's a great place for kids. My kids (5 and 2) love it. So...I'm trying to make the most of it. Legoland is great, as I've written about in the past. Not as great as it could be, but it should be an exciting year for Legoland. And, my plan is to help you with your planning. Families of 5+ often struggle to find accommodations. I've done the Legoland Hotel, and it's great, but let's face it, how many larger families can actually afford $300+ per night? I'm determined to find good deals that work.
First up was the new Fairfield Inn in Carlsbad. This was our first trip on the passes, a Christmas gift, so we went during the week directly following Christmas. We paid about $140 for the 2 queen bed room. The hotel was new and gorgeous. Hotel staff was friendly. Unfortunately, our room did not have a tub, which was not good for our kids. We made it work, but oddly enough, when I complained to Marriott about this, they told me I should have gotten a 2-queen room as all 2-bed rooms have a tub. Umm...okay? I had a 2 queen room. When I told them this, I got no further reply. Hmmm...I won't go into detail because it's been a while, but I'd say it was a mixed blessing. Rooms were nice and beds were great. The tub thing was annoying, but not necessarily a deal-breaker. And, hey, free breakfast! But, what really bothered me was the noise. At 10PM, we could still hear people talking loudly in the hallway. There was approximately a 1-inch gap under the door, which was extremely frustrating. And...well, let's just say we felt really bad for our neighbors having to listen to our kids cry all night since we could hear everyone else's problems. The hotel in general gets great reviews, so maybe it was just a singular bad experience, or maybe it just wasn't the right hotel for our family with young children. I'm not sure. Good proximity to Legoland for the price though (about 2 miles, 10 minute drive).
We're looking forward to another visit during Spring Break, a longer on in June after the Ninjago themed area opens, and a couple more in the Fall. The plan is to stay at a new hotel each time so we can share our impressions with you, but I have to say, we're pretty much sold on the Homewood Suites for now. I know in June we'll be doing 4 night at the Hyatt House. If there are any other hotels (especially those with suites) that you're interested in hearing our impressions of, let me know. We'll try to get as many in as possible on our trips.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
3 Days at Disneyland in August
I just finished up another big trip to Disneyland. We went for 3 days, 2 nights and stayed at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Waterpark Playground (HOJO). In short, it was an amazing trip, but I'm glad to be home where I don't have to fight crowds and where I can hide inside in the air conditioning instead of sweating to death and trying to keep the kids cool.
First off, how did I keep those kids cool? Well...The first thing we did was plan ahead. August is always hot at Disneyland. A lot of people will say, "Oh, average temps in the high 80s...we'll be fine." Well, Disneyland generally feels about 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding area, probably due to the concrete and crowds. Also, this year there has been unusually high levels of humidity. Fine, of course, if you're used to it, but for those of us used to around 30% humidity, 60-80% is pretty darned annoying. So, knowing all of this, we bought some amazing stroller fans. A lot of people in the parks commented on them and asked us where we got them, so let me tell you--Amazon.com. Amazon has everything, and if they don't, it probably doesn't exist. We purchased this one: Ted Zee Clip-On Fan, which I think did it's job. Each one takes 2 AA batteries and it's a good idea to bring extra batteries if you plan on using it a lot. In addition to the fans, we also bought cooling wraps. Again, we got these from Amazon. We chose the Ergodyne Chill-Its. I will say there are probably better options out there, like Frog Togg Chilly Pads, which we've used in the past, but are bulkier and more costly. The Ergodyne was okay. I liked the price point more than anything. I would say they were better than having nothing, but they dried out quickly, which was unfortunate. The Chilly Pads last a lot longer, but they are bigger and harder to efficiently store if you're trying to minimize the bulk you travel with. Other than that, we drank tons and tons of water, kept up on the sunscreen every few hours, and tried to go back to our hotel during the hottest part of the day.
HOJO was a great hotel for kids. We had a 2 queen premium view in building 1, which we were able to book for 20% off with our annual pass (current discounts offered are only 10%, but it's still worth it). The cost for 2 nights was just under $500 for the hotel room and the view was worth it. Our room was on the top floor and had a beautiful view of the fireworks, if a bit obscured by a tree. Beds were comfortable, it was fairly quiet, and the staff were all very friendly. The best part, by far, in the summer heat, was the pirate-themed water play area for kids. My 5-year old enjoyed the water slides and play structure while my 18-month-old twins preferred the 1-foot deep pool. It was easy to watch the 5-year-old from the area where we were with our little ones and there was a lifeguard on hand for the big water slide to make sure everyone was taking turns and being safe. Overall, this has been the best offsite hotel I have stayed in within walking distance of Disneyland (and in some ways, better than the onsite ones, since it's not as expensive). The only issue I found was that the store asked ridiculous prices for food (almost $3 for a small easy mac cup and $1 for a can of soda). This is common of any hotel, so I can't really fault them in particular, but it was annoying. But, hey, to make up for it, it's one of the few hotels in the area with free parking and it was easy to find a parking spot.
Disneyland and California Adventure were both excessively crowded. Crowds weren't too bad from 8AM-11AM, but at that point, it was packed, though not any worse than it was when we went for June, July, Spring Break, or December. The real difference was in the heat and the type of guest. I've already described the heat. The guests this time of year are not what I am used to. Usually when I go, it's mostly locals or people from California, Arizona, and other places you can drive from. This time of year, it seems all the tourists from other countries and other parts of the United States come. We met a ton of people from Australia and also some from China, Pakistan, Canada, and many other places. Most people were very friendly and struck up conversations with me a lot or asked for directions/help while I was waiting for my older son and husband, who had gone off to ride while my toddlers napped. In some ways it was cool because we got to see a lot of diversity and different cultures. However, if you're spoiled as I am by the off-season crowd, there are some obvious challenges to going this time of year, as well because fewer people will know where they are going and standard United States amusement park etiquette. Overall, it was a great experience. I don't know that I'll choose to do August again simply because I don't do well in the heat and June tends to be much more pleasant, but if I could have cooled down the amusement parks by 20 degrees, it would have been perfect.
First off, how did I keep those kids cool? Well...The first thing we did was plan ahead. August is always hot at Disneyland. A lot of people will say, "Oh, average temps in the high 80s...we'll be fine." Well, Disneyland generally feels about 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding area, probably due to the concrete and crowds. Also, this year there has been unusually high levels of humidity. Fine, of course, if you're used to it, but for those of us used to around 30% humidity, 60-80% is pretty darned annoying. So, knowing all of this, we bought some amazing stroller fans. A lot of people in the parks commented on them and asked us where we got them, so let me tell you--Amazon.com. Amazon has everything, and if they don't, it probably doesn't exist. We purchased this one: Ted Zee Clip-On Fan, which I think did it's job. Each one takes 2 AA batteries and it's a good idea to bring extra batteries if you plan on using it a lot. In addition to the fans, we also bought cooling wraps. Again, we got these from Amazon. We chose the Ergodyne Chill-Its. I will say there are probably better options out there, like Frog Togg Chilly Pads, which we've used in the past, but are bulkier and more costly. The Ergodyne was okay. I liked the price point more than anything. I would say they were better than having nothing, but they dried out quickly, which was unfortunate. The Chilly Pads last a lot longer, but they are bigger and harder to efficiently store if you're trying to minimize the bulk you travel with. Other than that, we drank tons and tons of water, kept up on the sunscreen every few hours, and tried to go back to our hotel during the hottest part of the day.
HOJO was a great hotel for kids. We had a 2 queen premium view in building 1, which we were able to book for 20% off with our annual pass (current discounts offered are only 10%, but it's still worth it). The cost for 2 nights was just under $500 for the hotel room and the view was worth it. Our room was on the top floor and had a beautiful view of the fireworks, if a bit obscured by a tree. Beds were comfortable, it was fairly quiet, and the staff were all very friendly. The best part, by far, in the summer heat, was the pirate-themed water play area for kids. My 5-year old enjoyed the water slides and play structure while my 18-month-old twins preferred the 1-foot deep pool. It was easy to watch the 5-year-old from the area where we were with our little ones and there was a lifeguard on hand for the big water slide to make sure everyone was taking turns and being safe. Overall, this has been the best offsite hotel I have stayed in within walking distance of Disneyland (and in some ways, better than the onsite ones, since it's not as expensive). The only issue I found was that the store asked ridiculous prices for food (almost $3 for a small easy mac cup and $1 for a can of soda). This is common of any hotel, so I can't really fault them in particular, but it was annoying. But, hey, to make up for it, it's one of the few hotels in the area with free parking and it was easy to find a parking spot.
Disneyland and California Adventure were both excessively crowded. Crowds weren't too bad from 8AM-11AM, but at that point, it was packed, though not any worse than it was when we went for June, July, Spring Break, or December. The real difference was in the heat and the type of guest. I've already described the heat. The guests this time of year are not what I am used to. Usually when I go, it's mostly locals or people from California, Arizona, and other places you can drive from. This time of year, it seems all the tourists from other countries and other parts of the United States come. We met a ton of people from Australia and also some from China, Pakistan, Canada, and many other places. Most people were very friendly and struck up conversations with me a lot or asked for directions/help while I was waiting for my older son and husband, who had gone off to ride while my toddlers napped. In some ways it was cool because we got to see a lot of diversity and different cultures. However, if you're spoiled as I am by the off-season crowd, there are some obvious challenges to going this time of year, as well because fewer people will know where they are going and standard United States amusement park etiquette. Overall, it was a great experience. I don't know that I'll choose to do August again simply because I don't do well in the heat and June tends to be much more pleasant, but if I could have cooled down the amusement parks by 20 degrees, it would have been perfect.
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