Reliving Fond Memories
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The Instant Tourist

Man, was I ready for this vacation!

I was burnt out, fried crispy, having waited too long for my yearly getaway. Last year I traveled to WDW for the first time (see column). This year I didn’t have the funds, but still needed to loosen up. Through the generosity of my personal vacation planner, I secured a wonderful room at the Paradise Pier Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. Since it was during the week in the off-season and along with an AP discount, it was very cheap. $58 dollars, minus the mouse-fees.

I would be there for two days and one night. This would take me away neatly from the cares of my daily world. It was also wonderful not to drive home at the night.

Checking into my room was fast and easy. Soon I was up on the 12th floor with a wonderful view of DCA. The room was ready early so I had some time to unpack and relax before descending into the hurly burly of the parks.

Though it was Wednesday, there were many families in the hotel. I could hear the patting of small bare feet through my door. The ambience in the building was loose and carefree. Since the parks were within easy walking distance, nothing was hurried or frantic. The rooms were cozy, quiet and well kept. The whole layout was just fine for a couple looking to get away for a couple of nights on the cheap.

This was an answer to a question that always bothered me. I always felt the Disneyland Resort was a bit crowded, trying to shoehorn WDW into DL’s small real estate. But once within the hotel compound, I had no feeling of cramped tenseness. I wish the parking lots were masked a little better with that famous Disney landscaping, but that is needless nitpicking. I didn’t notice the usual business of a city until I was up in my room. It seemed so far away that it didn’t bother me as much as I thought. I believe that as the landscaping grows in, the place will become more beautiful.

On the main floor, original artwork by WDI for California Adventure hangs along the halls. Guests would stop and admire the work, trying to figure out where they saw the results within the park.

I walked down to the lobby, then across the street to the Grand Californian. Next to the driveway is a secret passageway going straight into DCA. All I needed was my card key and I was walking down a lushly landscaped path that ended at Paradise Pier.

What is so convenient of the resort is how neatly my needs are taken care of. Even while on a budget, there is no sense of rush or pinching. I could have everything billed to the hotel via my credit card, but I elected not to do so because of my circumstances. This service would be a great time saver for a family on the move. For someone pinching pennies, I avoided the temptation, and didn’t miss it at all.

I had not eaten, so I sauntered over to Taste Pilots. I believe they have the best burgers in DCA. Though the crisscut fries had obviously been sitting out for a while, the burger was fresh and tasty. The "Chuck Yeager" surroundings are fun too.

My aim is to enjoy Disneyland for less, which is not as hard as it may seem. I have no children yet; this Hotel fits nicely into the bill. For the price the room was perfect for a couple. The view was charming, the service fluid and kind. A light lunch and healthy dinner, and I was still within range. Without souvenirs I walked out spending about $200.00 without suffering one bit.

My only regret was that I didn’t try the Japanese restaurant, Yamabuki, at the Paradise Pier Hotel. Word has it that it’s excellent. I will try it sometime soon because I love Japanese food.

Thursday morning checkout was a breeze, since I had no credit charges. In my haste to leave I left the card keys in the room. No problem, the hostess smiled at me. The whole stay was so effortless it was positively surreal.

I waited for a narrator’s voice to interject: “See your travel agent about spending time at the Magic Kingdom!�?

I put my bag into my truck and walked over to the Disneyland. It was Thursday but the place was picking up. Summer is on the horizon, bearing down on us. By ten thirty there was a forty-minute wait for Pirates. I enjoyed a drink at Fowler’s Wharf, wishing they would bring out the Columbia more often. Then I decided I had worn out my welcome, with the rising tide of guests. I leisurely walked back to the truck and returned to the real world.

I enjoyed my "instant tourist" status, and would do it again without hesitation. Probably after the high prices of summer fade. The AP discounts are a wonderful discovery for me. The stay was friendly, cleaned and unrattled. I left rested and ready for "Realityland" again.

PS: Thanks Diane for the idea!

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-- David Mink

-- Posted June 18, 2003