[Chat] One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

[KellyMcG86]

My husband just got the devastating news that he was not the candidate selected for a job he has applied at (and thought he has a good shot at). My immediate thought it... Lets get the heck out of here and back to our happy place. We passed our dating anniversary of ten years (been together since high school) with no major "hurrah", why not celebrate out upcoming wedding anniversary in DLR?! Plus hopefully get the grump forced out of him with some youthful adventure.

I've started a list of things we're never really done on our prior trips. Our number ones are not really possible, but the next set seems plausible: Ride in the Lilly Belle, ride in the tender seat, and ride in the wheelhouse on the Mark Twain. We also intend to hit some of the shows and rides that we often look over when we have other people with us.

Does anyone know the best way to get these experiences to happen? What were your experiences? What "off the beaten path" experience have you had? Yes, I would LOVE to dine in Club 33 or stay a night in the dream suite, but I fully understand the reality of either of those happening. Kudos to those who have, I am incredibly envious!

As always, any stories, opinions, and advice are welcomed and appreciated!!

[ShelbyH]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Sorry to hear the disappointing job news. The best way to ride the tender seat and the LB is to go the very first thing in the morning to the main street station and ask there if they have any registrations. The Mark Twain is easy--just ask when you get there. No need to rush or make a special trip. You can also sit in Walt's box at the Golden Horseshoe, just head straight there when you get in. If you have the money you could take the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour that now allows you to see Walt's apartment.

[Mandy]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Go on a tour! They are super fun! When are you going?

[swampymarsh]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

This is pricy, but if you do during short hours and have time to spend in the room.



It was about $750 per night.

[jcruise86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

If you're going for one day & night, celebrate the future in and around DCA. Start on Toy Story Mania--twice. Ride Mickey's Fun Wheel in the non-swinging car, have a drink at the Cove Bar, draw pictures of a Disney character in the Animation building, go Soarin', see Aladdin, eat at the Napa Rose (and save money for this by staying at the Paradise Pier or ???) walk around Carsland as it gets dark, see World of Color, have a drink at Trader Sam's. . . That's all I got. Don't try to do too much. Disney Resort experiences don't have to be exclusive (like Club 33, Walt's box in the Golden Horseshoe Review, the Green Room pass for Aladdin, or the Lilly Belle) to be wonderful.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Sorry to hear the disappointing job news. The best way to ride the tender seat and the LB is to go the very first thing in the morning to the main street station and ask there if they have any registrations. The Mark Twain is easy--just ask when you get there. No need to rush or make a special trip. You can also sit in Walt's box at the Golden Horseshoe, just head straight there when you get in. If you have the money you could take the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour that now allows you to see Walt's apartment.

Thank you for your thoughts on the job situation. I'm hoping it will change soon, in the meantime I'm going to take advantage of his flexible schedule! You know of all the times I've been to DLR, I've never been into the Horseshoe? I just added going into Walt's box there to the list of must do's!! Thank you so much for the information!!

If you're going for one day & night, celebrate the future in and around DCA. Start on Toy Story Mania--twice. Ride Mickey's Fun Wheel in the non-swinging car, have a drink at the Cove Bar, draw pictures of a Disney character in the Animation building, go Soarin', see Aladdin, eat at the Napa Rose (and save money for this by staying at the Paradise Pier or ???) walk around Carsland as it gets dark, see World of Color, have a drink at Trader Sam's. . . That's all I got. Don't try to do too much. Disney Resort experiences don't have to be exclusive (like Club 33, Walt's box in the Golden Horseshoe Review, the Green Room pass for Aladdin, or the Lilly Belle) to be wonderful.

You've got my whole trip planned for me! Fabulous! I will definitely be trying to do these things. We've never seen the Aladdin show, so that one I really want to hit. What is the Green Room pass?

---------- Post added 09-11-2012 at 10:53 AM ----------

Go on a tour! They are super fun! When are you going?

I keep thinking about doing the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, but I will probably save that for one of my good friends to join in on. Have you done it?? We are going to be arriving October 4th, early enough to get most of the day in the parks, then we will leave October 5th after spending the first half of the day at the parks.

This is pricy, but if you do during short hours and have time to spend in the room.



It was about $750 per night.

I hadn't heard of this!! It will have to wait until our job situation is a little more favorable, and maybe a longer trip so we do have time to hang out in the room, but this is being added to my "Someday (SOON!)" list!! Thank you!

[smartlabelprint]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Ride your favorite rides, eat your favorite treats.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Ride your favorite rides, eat your favorite treats.

I think this is the best plan I've heard so far! :thumbup: Hehe

[jcruise86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

You've got my whole trip planned for me! Fabulous! I will definitely be trying to do these things. We've never seen the Aladdin show, so that one I really want to hit. What is the Green Room pass? . . .

The Green Room Pass to Aladdin is a rare & special treat. First go backstage with the day's stage manager, hear his brief pep talk to the cast. Then watch the show backstage, then take a tour of the theater & back stage areas, and watch the show again front and center. After the show, enjoy a glass of champagne and meet the cast, including the show's Genie.





Please note: I just made up the Green Room Pass. I like making stuff up! My bad.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

The Green Room Pass to Aladdin is a rare & special treat. First go backstage with the day's stage manager, hear his brief pep talk to the cast. Then watch the show backstage, then take a tour of the theater & back stage areas, and watch the show again front and center. After the show, enjoy a glass of champagne and meet the cast, including the show's Genie.





Please note: I just made up the Green Room Pass. I like making stuff up! My bad.

I was totally like "OMG! How do I get this?!" Yep. I'm a sucker! Haha

[ShelbyH]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

I was totally like "OMG! How do I get this?!" Yep. I'm a sucker! Haha

LOL me too! I was like "HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS???" :lol:

[sailor310]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

The only time I have gotten to ride in the wheelhouse of the Mark Twain, I had a cute 5 year old with me. The answer has been 'no' every other time I've asked. I recommend you rent a 5 year old.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

LOL me too! I was like "HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS???" :lol:

I'm glad I'm not the only one!! Haha

The only time I have gotten to ride in the wheelhouse of the Mark Twain, I had a cute 5 year old with me. The answer has been 'no' every other time I've asked. I recommend you rent a 5 year old.

Do they have a place to rent cute 5 year olds in Disneyland? I wouldn't be surprised! I suppose I could always check Craigslist...

[The First Star]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Napa Rose. Ask for the chef's counter and/or Saucy. Spend 2-3 hours wining and dining. Siiiiigh.

[DrFink]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

My parents went for one day and one night for their 25th anniversary back in the 90's. From what I heard about it they did Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and had dinner at the Blue Bayou. The rest of the time they hung around the hotel. I think they got a suite at the Disneyland Hotel.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

Napa Rose. Ask for the chef's counter and/or Saucy. Spend 2-3 hours wining and dining. Siiiiigh.

I'm starting to think I need to try this Napa Rose thing out...

---------- Post added 09-12-2012 at 08:59 AM ----------

My parents went for one day and one night for their 25th anniversary back in the 90's. From what I heard about it they did Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and had dinner at the Blue Bayou. The rest of the time they hung around the hotel. I think they got a suite at the Disneyland Hotel.

I definitely don't plan to hang around our hotel. We are just staying at the good ol' Anabella... Love it there but not as exciting as the parks! The rides you mentioned are must-dos, except Indy will still be down (sadness!!). Thanks!

[sir clinksalot]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

We've spent many of our 17 anniversaries at Disneyland, in fact, probably 10 of the 17.

Some of the things we've done over the years. Obviously you may not be able to do all of this in one day, but just a couple of suggestions. You can't go wrong with any of them.

- Relax: sit on a bench together, people watch, enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate (if it's cooler weather)
- Lily Belle: definitely a treat
- Nice dinner: doesn't necessarily have to be at one of the more pricey restaurants (Carthay/Napa) but even Blue Bayou/Cafe' Orleans or Trattoria are great.
- or-
- World of Color Dining Package: This would take care of your dinner and a show. We did this a few years ago, had dinner at Trattoria and then did WoC. We didn't even have the WoC reservations but the staff there was so awesome and knew it was our Anniversary that they hooked us up. But be sure to reserve the WoC one because you never can tell.
- Breakfast at Steakhouse 55: It's not expensive and is without a doubt the best breakfast at the resort. Plus the portions are so big you may not even need a big lunch before your nice dinner.
- Anniversary Button: make sure you go to City Hall/Guest Relations and get one
- Fantasmic: It's our absolute favorite. We generally go watch near Haunted Mansion. It's not the best view of the show, but it's not completely packed which is just fine for us.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

We've spent many of our 17 anniversaries at Disneyland, in fact, probably 10 of the 17.

Some of the things we've done over the years. Obviously you may not be able to do all of this in one day, but just a couple of suggestions. You can't go wrong with any of them.

- Relax: sit on a bench together, people watch, enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate (if it's cooler weather)
- Lily Belle: definitely a treat
- Nice dinner: doesn't necessarily have to be at one of the more pricey restaurants (Carthay/Napa) but even Blue Bayou/Cafe' Orleans or Trattoria are great.
- or-
- World of Color Dining Package: This would take care of your dinner and a show. We did this a few years ago, had dinner at Trattoria and then did WoC. We didn't even have the WoC reservations but the staff there was so awesome and knew it was our Anniversary that they hooked us up. But be sure to reserve the WoC one because you never can tell.
- Breakfast at Steakhouse 55: It's not expensive and is without a doubt the best breakfast at the resort. Plus the portions are so big you may not even need a big lunch before your nice dinner.
- Anniversary Button: make sure you go to City Hall/Guest Relations and get one
- Fantasmic: It's our absolute favorite. We generally go watch near Haunted Mansion. It's not the best view of the show, but it's not completely packed which is just fine for us.

I am DYING to get on the Lilly Belle!! Keeping my fingers crossed that it's running and available when we go. One of our favorite things to do is to pick a shady bench and just people watch. Taking a moment to just enjoy the atmosphere... *sigh*

I have never been to Steakhouse 55, I'm going to have to hunt down this place and give it a try! I'm also considering the WOC package, however I think I actually saw that it won't be running the one night that we'll be there... if so, I'll put it on the next trip's itinerary. Thank you for this information!! Definitely some things to consider!

[sir clinksalot]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

^ Steakhouse 55 is in the Disneyland Hotel.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: One night anniversary trip to DLR - what would you do?

^ Steakhouse 55 is in the Disneyland Hotel.

Good to know! That definitely saves me some time lol Thank you!