Disney Alaskan cruise vs Disneyland

To help me better decide on our Disney vacation plans next year I have decided to make up a pros/cons list for both options. I don't know about you but it makes it so much easier for me to have things laid out like this. Blogging helps me clear my head and make sense of things, so it only makes sense for me to do this here and share it with anyone interested :)

Disneyland PROS:
- Warm sunny weather! I could even get a tan laying by the pool...
- Character meet n greets for the boys (and me)
- Rides!
- We would get to check out the new Cars Land.
- Not stuck on a boat with two wandering children (more space to roam)
- Possibility of getting into the Grand Californian Villas. Once in a lifetime opportunity?
- Great entertainment!
- Grandparents would come and help (sharing hotel suites)
- It's just plain magical!

Disneyland CONS:
- Requires a plane trip of 2.5 hours each way plus airport transfers.
- My toddler can't stay awake past 7pm and may be too old at this point to sleep in a stroller.
- Have to go back to our hotel room every afternoon for naps.
- Toddlers early bed times (affecting our late night plans)
- Travel time (though mininal) to and from hotels rooms/parks.
- Food isn't spectacular.
- Tiring! Getting up early everyday and crashing every night.
- Potential meltdowns in ride lines.
- I've been 7 times already (not that thats a bad thing!)

Disney Alaskan Cruise PROS:
- We could pretty much walk right onto the boat since we are local.
- Gorgeous scenery.
- Character meet n greets for the boys (and me)
- The food. Need I say more?
- Babysitting availible between 8am-11pm.
- Clubs for Toddlers to run around (supervised by us)
- Great Entertainment!
- Get to see 3 Alaskan cities (one of which hubby and I have never been to) and another glacier.
- Grandparents would come and help (connecting rooms?)
- Being that entertainment, food, etc is all on board everything is very close. It would be easy for hubby and I to switch off and on and go enjoy something while the other watches the kids.
- the toddlers would probably love to roam the ship decks and look out the windows.

Disney Alaskan Cruise CONS:
- Toddlers may not/probably won't sit through dinners.
- Toddlers early bed times (affecting our late night plans)
- Port activities may be out with toddlers.
- Toddlers not allowed in pools until potty trained.
- Colder weather.

Hmm, they seem pretty close don't they?

Disney Cruising with toddlers?

Cruises have majorly been on the brain lately. Maybe it's because my parents and siblings are currently on an 11 day cruise of the Souther Caribbean (lucky bums!) Perhaps it's because I received an email this morning letting me know that there was currently a 25% off deal on the local Disney Alaskan cruise for Canadian residents. Or maybe it's because I read a lot of fellow Disney bloggers blogs and one is big on Disney Cruises (thanks Williams family...)
Whatever the cause may be, I have officially added a cruise with Disney to my lifes bucketlist.

It's been about two years since our last cruise. It wasn't with Disney and it was to the Caribbean. As fun as it was, I really wasn't a fan of the cruise line (Carnival.) The entertainment was more something you'd see at a Vegas adults only show and the food was just okay. Hubby and I's previous cruise back in 2009 was with Celebrity to Alaska and that was incredible! Everything was absolutely top notch and I would not hesitate to sail with them again.

The problem (and yes, my husband reminds me that this is a first world problem) is that pretty soon we will have two very young kids. Now I always said I wouldn't let kids slow me down as far as what we wanted to do. The problem is more that we just can't afford to vacation like we use to as we currently work our way towards our goal of moving out of a townhouse and into a 'house house.' We get one big vacation in the next 5 years or so. We have already decided that this will be a Disney vacation as it appeals to both myself and the children and we have been planning on Disneyland. And I am totally excited about that! But then I think to myself, 'Hmm, a cruise would sure be nice again.'

A Disney cruise from Florida is out. As much as I'd love to be soaking up some sunshine at Castaway Cay, there is just no way I am flying all day there and back with two kids under three for a week long vacation. Not my idea of relaxing. We'll add that to the bucket list for later.
A Disney cruise to Alaska could be a definite possibility. There was talk of this cruise being no more but dates for 2014 have now been released! It wouldn't require flying anywhere for us since the boat leaves from our home city. And I know Disney caters to children, even young ones as far as entertainment, food/dining and by providing things we would need like strollers, highchairs and teeny tiny utensils. There is even paid babysitting available if we wanted it. Several family members have expressed interest in doing an Alaskan cruise and we almost booked one last year, but we opted for Disneyland instead.
And again now, we are looking at heading back to Disneyland next May. I love Disneyland and I know we would have an amazing time in the sun, staying at a nice hotel and running around the parks. Both of our kids would be young enough still that we wouldn't have to pay for them either.

I guess I'm just wondering to myself what would be easier. In talking to other Disney vacationers on message boards who have travelled with toddlers, they insist the cruise is still way more relaxing then doing Disneyland. But I just don't know! Either location would require making the kids sit down for meals at times or to be isolated to a hotel room or stroller. Pricing for either vacation isn't that much different, but they are two totally different kind of trips.

Maybe I need to make up a pros and cons list? Check it out HERE

As always, suggestions and advice are welcome :)

Disney Dining - Disneyland

Another question I have been getting lately is where to eat in the parks. I am far from an expert when it comes to this topic as we aren't huge on spending money on dining, but I will share with you my experiences. I have compiled a list of where we've eaten at both Disneyland & California Adventure and will split the posts for each park. I will also add a few places I hope to check out on future trips.

Let me start by explaining that there are different types of dining at Disney. There is sit down dining, typical order from a menu and have a waiter service. Counter service, where you will order at a window, receive your food then sit at one of the many tables available. Or there are kiosks, where you will pick what you want from a shelf or tray, pay for it and then find a bench close by to eat at.

So, lets start with Disneyland.

Bengal BBQ - Adventureland
Oh my mouth is watering just thinking about it...
Bengal BBQ is a counter service offering beef, chicken and veggies skewers. They are about $4.00 each and as tasty as they are, you wont be filled up on just one. I suggest ordering a Mickey Pretzel at $3.50 to go with and making it a lunch meal.

Golden Horseshoe - Frontierland
This is a do not miss for us. Not just for the food, but because of the entertainment (Billy Hill & the Hillbillies) that goes with it. I have heard rumour that they may be relocating to another location in the park, so be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule when you are there.
Golden Horseshoe is a counter service. They serve Chicken strips and fries, fish and chips and chicken salads all for around $9.00 They also have a wonderful dessert menu. My family has tried all three of the main entrees here and they have all been fantastic! Let me just add that the favorite is probably the chicken strips.

Hungry Bear Restaurant - Critter Country
We ate at this counter service twice on our last visit. We love that it is situated on a deck overlooking Rivers of America and Tom Sawyers island. You can eat your meal while you watch the Mark Twain Riverboat or Sailing Ship Columbia pass by. Or sit on the bottom level and watch the ducks swimming ride by you.
The menu offers sandwiches, burgers and salads for around $10.00 Meals come with yam fries instead of regular. Personally I love their Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Big Al's Chicken Salad.

Redd Rockett's Pizza Port - Tomorrowland
This counter service was closed on my last trip, which was a shame because I sure love their Spaghetti (or shall I say, Mars-inara with Meteoric Meatballs.)
Its my go to place for pasta (around $9.00), pizza (around $7.00) or salads (around $9.00) The foods nothing special, but its tasty if you want to get away from burgers and chicken.

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What I still want to check out...

Blue Bayou - New Orleans Square
Sit down dining, reservations suggested. The coolest thing about this restaurant is that it is actually inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. From your table in a dimly lit area, you can watch as passengers float off into the darkness on their adventure. I also here the food is wonderful. They serve chicken, steak, ribs, salmon and jambalaya serves mostly with potatoes and veggies at around $30.00-$35.00 a person. Personally, I see this as a 'date' location and not somewhere I would take my kids (kids are however, quite welcome.)

Big Thunder Ranch BBQ - Frontierland
Sit down dining, reservations suggested. I hear very good things about this place, but again have never experienced it. As the name suggests, its BBQ style food, chicken and ribs with all the fixins! Its priced at $25.00 per adult and $10.00 per child. I heard there is often live music during your dinner as well.


I will try to do another blog with the California Adventure dining in the next week or two.
Thats all I got folks, hope I've helped.

Park hoppers no longer worth the cost?

As long as I can remember, my family has always bought a park hopper pass when going to Disneyland. It cost a few bucks more but it gave you the option to decide on the fly what you want to do at which park.

For those of you have never been, Disneyland Resort has two parks (Disneyland and California Adventure) which are only a 1 minute walk from gate to gate. So with a park hopper you could easily go to both parks in one day.

But with the recent changes, would you want to?

Disneyland Map

California Adventure use to be a smaller park with less to see then Disneyland, and it was open for less hours. So it was common sense to 'hop' over to go on certain rides or see a certain show. But this isn't really the case anymore. California Adventure has been working for years on a makeover and an expansion and it will all be officially open as of this weekend. They have totally re done the entrance, now called Buena Vista Street. They have an evening show called World of Color and they have just finished Cars Land, an entire new section to the park. Combine that with some of the already big ticket attractions like Soarin, Tower of Terror and California Screamin and you now have alot to see and do! So much so that I believe you could easily dedicate an entire day (or two...) to this park.



California Adventure Map - with recent changes.

I should mention too that Disneyland has raised their ticket prices. Mostly it'll affect pass holders, but it has also slightly increased for regular ticket buyers like us. So if you want to save a few dollars (like $100 or more depending on the length of your stay and size of your group) skipping the park hopper could be a good route to go.

If you are like us and want a week long vacation id suggest buying a 3 day Disneyland pass and 2 day California Adventure. That will give you lots of time to enjoy both parks without rushing, especially if you go off season.

The flexibility of going wherever you want whenever you want with a Park Hopper is certainly nice to have, but I am just not sure its worth the extra money anymore. I think next time we will skip the park hopper.

Hope I've helped.

Hotel suggestion- Staybridge Suites

I was asked to post some hotel suggestions for those who are planning Disney trips in the future. As I tend to stay at the same places over and over, I will try to get in touch with others who could also recommend places based on their experiences.

One place we have stayed at several times now when visiting the Anaheim area (Disneyland in California) is Staybridge Suites on Manchester Avenue.

Entrance to Staybridge

The Goods:

- Really reasonable rates! You get alot for your money at this place which is why we have always chosen to stay there.
- Most (if not all) the rooms come with a kitchen. This really comes in handy when travelling with a group. If you are like us and don't like to eat out three meals a day it gives you the option of cooking in your own room. Helps the wallet too.
- If you get a two bedroom you have a living room. Its nice not to feel super squished in a tiny hotel room all week long. Its especially nice to have space for the little ones to play.
- They have a complimentary breakfast every morning and it was more then enough to fill everyone in our family (including my very hungry husband.) Eggs, bacon, bagels, yogurt, fruit... the list goes on and on. Fantastic way to kick off your morning!
- Several nights a week they offered complimentary 'appetizers' around dinner time. I would hardly call hot dogs, hamburgers and chips an appetizer! That did us for the evening! Again - helps the wallet by not needing to go out for dinner.
- Wonderful large heated pool and hot tub. Really nice layout outside with greenery and lots of seating.
- Free Internet throughout the hotel including an Internet station in the lobby. Awesome for checking in for your flights.

The pool

Common room/Eating area

The Bads:

- It is not within walking distance to the parks. I know for some this is an automatic shutdown. For us, its never been a problem. You are close enough to see the parks in the distance and we enjoyed watching the fireworks from the window in the hallway one night. To get to the park you will need to rely on the ART (Anaheim resort transit) system. They stop at the hotel approximately every 20-40 minutes and cost a few dollars a day.
- The hotel is getting a little outdated in decor. Everything works and is quite comfortable, but it could use a little bit of sprucing up.

Living room area of the suites. Kitchen behind and two bedrooms on either side (each with own bathroom)

Over all, I would recommend the Staybridge to those looking for a comfortable reasonably priced stay. Its not flashy, but its comfortable and great for families.

Welcome to my Disney outlet

I may have a small obsession with Disney. My family would probably disagree with my concept of 'small' but whatever you may call it, its there.
Disney parks hold special memories for me. My first family vacation, my first roller coaster, my first time meeting a princess, the list goes on and on.

I have been to Disney eight times now - that includes both Disneyland and Disney World. Not once have I found myself thinking, 'Well this is getting old...'

I know its not like that for everyone (my husband included.) Not everyone walks through those front gates and starts feeling that 'Disney Magic' that I feel. But for me it really is pure magic. The excitement of whats to come takes over and I feel like that little seven year old girl on my first trip. I can't help but smile and be overcome with happiness!

On our last trip a few months ago I was talking to my mom about this 'feeling' and trying to nail down what exactly it is. Its like you are entering a protective bubble. The daily grind of life disappears and you are in a place with infinite possibilities. Princesses and cartoon characters come to life, people are singing happily in the streets, your favorite childhood snacks and smells surround you and the funnest rides are in every single direction. What more could you want on a family vacation?

So I decided I needed an outlet. Somewhere to talk about and share Disney thoughts and memories freely. If you too understand that 'Disney feeling', have experienced 'the magic' or are one day hoping to experience it, join me! Come along for the ride.

I would also love to have guest blogs on here written from others who would like to share their own experiences. So if you have been to Disneyland, Disney World or on a Disney Cruise and are willing to share something, please let me know. Id love to hear from you!