volcanogirl

janis, which restaurants have seating for parades and light shows?

volcanogirl

Thanks, m, I'm thinking we're just going to grab something vs. spending time doing a sit down meal, maybe if we had more time unless some of them have an amazing view of something we shouldn't miss. I appreciate all the suggestions, any of that sounds good to me especially the lobster roll and the beef skewer, and I'm down for anything grilled. Glad to know it isn't just hot dogs and pizza.

janisj

For dinner:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/din...nner-packages/

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/din...dine-packages/

For lunch:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/din...ining-package/

janisj

Meant to add: The last time I did this was for the World of Color a few years ago. (it is 'off line' currently). It was wonderful. No hassle finding a place to watch the parade/show, a decent meal/wine, and and escort to walk you through the crowds to the viewing area.

volcanogirl

Thanks, I will check these out.

mlgb

World of Color is closed for the rest of the year AFAIK.

I'm not sure if Fantasmic will run beyond the Labor Day Weekend. Perhaps on the weekends?

However note that there are now Fastpasses for Fantasmic if it's running.

Here is a fansite review of the Fantasmic Fastpass system

https://touringplans.com/disneyland/...ions/fantasmic

I believe Plaza Inn offers a picnic lunch and a voucher to a reserved viewing area for the Pixar Parade. We have rarely had any difficulty finding a good spot for watching the parade. Ask a Cast Member for their recommendations.

volcanogirl

Okay, that sounds fun, thanks. Is there anything else you would recommend seeing in Anaheim while we're there?

mlgb

Not really.. I think Downtown Disney is a little torn up with construction so not sure it's worth spending much time there. The Grand Californian hotel and the Disneyland Hotel have some interesting art inside. When we have time we often will walk around the public levels of those two hotels.

There is a good museum in Santa Ana (Bowers). Huntington Beach has some nice nature/birding trails at Bolsa Chica wetlands (bring binoculars and a camera!)

You could also ride the train to San Juan Capistrano from Anaheim. In addition to the Mission, there is a cute little historic district and Ramos House is a good place for alfresco dining (and drinking). The station is about a 5 minute walk to the Mission. I prefer to take the train but you can of course drive as well. There's a Groupon out for admission to the Mission...

florclover

Well, I always do a dinner reservation because I’m tired at that time and lines at dinner are huge. I was just there last week and the line for a Dole Whip had about 50 people it. It’s so easy to make a reservation on the app. I’m always kicking myself when I’m starving and waiting forever for a corn dog! There are some fun sit-down restaurants.

florclover

And Trader Sams is a tiki bar on the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. It’s fun for drinks and appetizers.

volcanogirl

Thanks for the info. on the ART shuttle; that looks pretty convenient.

The missions look beautiful. We're also going to spend a couple of days in LA - thinking of doing the tar pits, going to a Dodgers game, and maybe visiting the Reagan Library or Huntington Library and Gardens. Also interested in the Getty and the Griffith Observatory.

volcanogirl

Thank you, flor - we love tiki bars, sounds like a good spot to relax with a nice drink.

volcanogirl

Are there any good restaurants you guys would recommend in Anaheim other than Disney spots? Just looking for a good casual spot for dinner the night we get in, doesn't have to be fancy, but would love to know about any favorites you have.

mlgb

Is this for a Saturday night? If not too late there is a Turkish place on Ball. They may also deliver. Closed Sunday, though. The problem near Disney is that they've bought up a lot of the area and it's sort of corporate chain-land. You would be next door to Garden Walk which should be open later if you wanted to walk over and check things out.

Best Mediterranean Food Near Me - DonerG Turkish Mediterranean

My favorite quick serve chain is The Habit. They have tri tip and ahi tuna as well as burgers and chicken.

If you are flying into Long Beach, there is one by the airport

https://www.habitburger.com/locations/

volcanogirl

Thanks, m, I thought there would probably be a lot of chains around. Turkish sounds yummy though. I think we would be flying into and out of LAX, but may be near Long Beach when we take the ferry to Catalina. The Habit looks great.

5alive

Volcano--I have heard good things about the City of Orange, but I can't recommend anything specific. And remember the Orange County beaches are not that far away.

volcanogirl

Thank you, 5!

volcanogirl

I found a list of recommended rides for adults. Can someone tell me which ones of these are in Disneyland and which are in the California Adventure Park please? Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Space Mountain, Soarin' Over California, Grizzly River Run, Mickey's Fun Wheel, California Screamin', and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. These are labeled as thrill rides - what do you think? And these for Thrill Ride Avoiders - Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Pirates of the Carib., Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, Goofy's Sky School, Luigi's Flying Tires, Radiator Springs Racers. Which park are they in - do you recommend any of these?

sf7307

First thing to note - if you're actually someone who loves real thrill rides, these are not it. Space Mountain is great, but most are only thrill rides in the context of Disneyland, not in the context of the greater universe of amusement parks

P.S. I love Disneyland, not trying to dissuade you at all - just want you to know what you're getting into.

jv827

By Disney standards, Indiana Jones, Radiator Springs, and even Goofy's Sky School are considered thrill rides as they all include drops and/or speed. (Goofy is the mildest of the three.) Radiator Springs is more about fast turns, is very fun, and one of the most popular rides with one of the longest waits. Tower of Terror is now the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, and California Screamin' is the Incredicoaster. The Incredicoaster is the only ride in either park I can think of that goes upside down. (As sf307 noted, Disney's "thrill" rides are very different from the ones you'd find at say, Magic Mountain.) But still very fun, nonetheless.

For thrills, my favorites are Radiator Springs, the Incredicoaster, and Guardians in CA Adventure, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Matterhorn in Disneyland. But I enjoy most all the ones on your list, though not Space Mountain as much as I used to (but that's just me). I love drops, speed, and loops, but now prefer rides that are fast and outside, versus indoors or ones that rely too much on the digital technology for the thrills. Oh, and Soarin' is nice too, but mostly a thrill in that it could be challenging for anyone with a fear of heights. (I think of it as more of a relaxing, scenic ride with some "swoops.")

For non-thrill, I always make time for Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Small World. (Cheesy, I know, but I still love seeing all the scenes and animated dolls. Plus I like to say hi to my people haha.) Little Mermaid is good if you need a non-thrilling break from the heat as it's a very "cool" ride lol.