Planning Family Reunion About This Page:

[PrincessTink]

It has been 11 years since I've been to DL. We are going in May and I'm not sure what/when to plan. I know that there is not as much to plan as you would for a WDW trip. I planned for 10 months last year for a 11 day trip. What do I need to be doing now? We are staying at the HOJO and plan to walk to DL. Are we crazy to try that? I've read a lot of people do it. The only thing I know I'm going to have TA do is book a lunch at Blue Bayou. I've always wanted to eat there since I was a little kid. Thanks for any advice.

PS: anyone know if there are 'Family Reunion' buttons like for birthdays, anniversarys, etc??

[Earkid]

Sounds like a fun trip! How many days will you be going?

We stay at the HOJO several times a year. We don't mind the walk if we are staying only a few days. Longer than 4 days and our legs begin to wear out. But we really like the HOJO, especially bldg 2 or bldg 1 rooms w/ a theme park view. Just make sure you don't get a room on the highway side of bldg 1 if you are a light sleeper because the traffic noise is fairly loud.

Plan on eating at the Blue Bayou on a day that isn't too busy, arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation and request to sit waterside. You may have to wait for a bit but it's worth it.

There are also good places to eat in the resort hotels. Yamabuki in the Paradise Pier, and StoryTeller's and Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. The Napa Rose is very high end dining, expensive, and definately a special treat. Reservations go quickly.

If you will be at the parks over a weekend, consider doing California Adventure on Saturday since that is typically the busiest day at Disneyland.

Sorry, I don't know the specifics of the buttons. I've only asked for "first visit", "Happy Birthday" and "Honorary Citizen" buttons.

[TLisi]

If you're going to do a character meal...many people love Goofy's kitchen. It's a buffet...and at the kids bar there are things like peanut butter and jelly pizza (there's regular pizza too), Mickey shaped chicken nuggets and a whole bunch of colorful desserts. The characters usually pull everybody out to the front to dance to the Macarena (not sure if that's how you spell it). It's a bit noisy, but we have fun every time we go. They can also accommodate large groups there. I believe that at the BB you'll have to be seated at separate tables.

[PrincessTink]

We are going for 3 full days and 1 half day. I'm pretty sure that the boys and I will be ok. More worried about my dad. Not sure what his stamina level is. When can I make ADR's? Is it 60 days out? I really appreciate any input.