Southern California and Disneyland

We love Disneyland and all things Disney...so it made sense for a small family reunion at Disneyland/California Adventure. It was a quick trip, but such a delight for me to see my kids and grandbabies enjoying themselves at the Disney parks.

One of the best ways to plan a Disney trip is via http://www.getawaytoday.com/. You can book your room/tickets all in advance in a discounted package. You may also want to check out the deals that Disneyland.com is offering at their resort hotels. (Never stayed at one, but maybe, someday).

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in North Anaheim and took the shuttle to Disneyland park. I can say, Embassy Suites was really nice. We crammed 6 adults and 3 children into our suite. Brought inflatable mattresses for those who slept on the floor and had a crib in the bedroom for baby Adam. I did wish they had Queen size beds instead of doubles though.

Our stay included all you can eat breakfast buffet...so sweet...and loved the Omlette Guy...wouldn't mind staying there again. Beds were comfy and having a fridge and microwave was very nice. As well as two separate rooms with two tvs.

RALPH BRENNAN'S JAZZ KITCHEN

Outside Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Downtown Disney

We first ate at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. The service was wonderful, but pricey for the menu items. http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/ Plan on spending $30/person and $10/per child. The best thing I had was their chef's soup of the day, which was a seafood chowder. We may have to try their cafe next time, rather than their main restaurant. They do serve some yummy beignets...but trust me, you can make them yourself at home for much less. http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/recipes_beignets.php

DISNEY CHARACTER MEET n GREETS

If you want to meet the characters of Disney...it can take up quite a bit of time waiting in line to snap photos...so set aside a day just for meeting the fun characters at Disneyland and California Adventure. You also never know when one is waiting just around the corner from where you are...

Minnie, Me, Miranda and Mama Haley June 2012

Me, Goofy, Mama Haley and Miranda June 2012