2021 DISNEY ADVENTURE – PART I

This year, I reached the milestone age of 75—three-quarters of a century! A week later, we celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Years ago, we began to give each other gifts to provide shared memories. We have given each other trips, special meals, shows, etc.

One of my bucket list items, ever since it was built, has been to spend a night or two at the Grand Californian Hotel at the Disney Resort in Anaheim.

This place is very special, heavily influenced by the design of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, another place I have wanted to stay since I was young.

Since the Grand Californian has reopened, Larry suggested we spend a couple of nights there with three days at the theme parks.

We gave up our annual theme park passes about five years ago when the prices went through the roof, and we have missed going there.

Some of you may be aware that Larry is usually reluctant to spend unnecessary money, but this time, he decided if we were going to go, he wanted to add concierge service, which included lots of extra services and food available most of the day. (Again, those of you who know him are aware that offering him food carries a great weight. Pun intended.)

Tuesday, September 12, 2021

We got up fairly early, changed the bed, showered, and put the towels in the wash. We didn’t want to leave damp towels in the bathroom for three days in the heat. When they were washed, we put them in the dryer on a setting that would assure their being dry the same day. The bedding and our clothes could wait until we returned home.

Then we drove to Anaheim, left Elsa with the valet, and our luggage with a bellman. When we reached the registration desk, Meg informed us that our room was ready and we could go on up, although the check-in time was 3:00 p.m.! It was then about 9:30 a.m. She also said breakfast was being served until 11:00 a.m.in the Veranda, the club restaurant. (This was the perk of the concierge service Larry wanted most.)

Before we left, she confirmed our park tickets for the three days. (We had made those reservations at the same time we made our hotel reservations. We had to designate the park where we would start the day, but because we are California residents, they were park-hopper tickets. We could change parks at any time after noon.)

We located our room with a courtyard view and called the bell captain. Our things arrived within five minutes.

The room was gorgeous. Whoever designed the interior matched it well to the craftsman style of the exterior. Lots of influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of my very favorite designers. Just looking at all the gorgeous touches made my heart happy.

We put our items away and then went to breakfast since we hadn’t eaten before we left home.

The very best part of the Veranda was the coffee machine. This was a professional device where we could get an espresso, latte, cappuccino, or café Americano. We both love cappuccino, so it became our go-to while we were there. (I think I probably ingested too much acid from all the coffee I drank during our stay, but oh, was it delicious!

Opportunities for eating extended from 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. Breakfast was served from 6:00 through 11:00 a.m. Afternoon tea was available between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. Hot appetizers were served from 5:00 to 7:00, and dessert from 8:00 until 10:00. (Believe it or not, we never made it for dessert, despite Larry’s sweet tooth.)

Everything was presented buffet-style with very small portions. Larry loved it because he could try EVERYTHING and then get more of one or two things he truly enjoyed. Since I am a VERY picky eater, the variety allowed me to choose those items I enjoyed, and the smaller servings were just right.

After breakfast, I changed my shoes, and then we headed for Disneyland.

 

Next: Going back to the park.