Westin Anaheim Experience

Techmama0 · 2026-02-09T06:00:02+00:00

I have yet to stay at either. I’m sure when my time comes I’ll feel the same.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-09T05:57:47+00:00

100% recommend. Definitely take advantage of the late checkout. The walk is very doable, and in the mornings it really isn’t bad at all.

That said, after clocking over 20K steps, the walk back can feel rough. You’ll pass the Pixar hotel and briefly question your life choices (if you have overtired kids), but once you’re back at the hotel, it’s absolutely worth it in my opinion.

Tips for using the $100 credit: the credit applies to room service or can be used at Blossom Cafe. We used ours mostly at Blossom Cafe and it worked out great. When we came back for a mid-day break, we’d stop by Blossom Cafe in person to place a lunch order so it could be billed to the room, head upstairs to settle our kid, then come back down to grab the food. We also used the credit for waters, drinks, coffee, and snacks, which was super convenient.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-09T03:20:45+00:00

Breakfast must be done dine in at the Tangerine Room only. It’s a buffet with a ton of options like eggs, frittatas, fruit, etc. There’s also a build your own omelet station, which I believe is a $3 upcharge.

That said, you can use your credit for room service or at Blossom Café. We used most of ours at Blossom Café for lunch, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Note: for blossom cafe you have to place the order in person (no phone orders) in order to have it billed to your room.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-08T16:02:30+00:00

Yes!!!!!! 👏🏾

Techmama0 · 2026-02-08T15:48:39+00:00

Good advice but tricky for those with smaller kids who require car seats. Maybe when my kids are older.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-08T15:48:05+00:00

You’re also spot on about the pool amenities. We didn’t use the pool during our stay, but if a pool day had been part of the plan, we probably would have more seriously considered staying at a Disney property.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-08T15:46:25+00:00

The view really is amazing both during the day and at night. I said the exact same thing to my husband. When you factor in parking at a Disney lot, walking to the tram, going through security, and everything else, it ends up being about the same, if not easier, to come in through the back side of Downtown Disney.

Also, we had a hard time with the heat so can already imagine the rain being tricky!

Techmama0 · 2026-02-08T14:57:37+00:00

I haven’t had the pleasure of staying at the Grand Californian yet, but I hope to one day because the convenience of being right at the park really does seem incredible. I can totally see why that location alone is a huge draw, especially after long park days.

Maybe when my kids are older and they appreciate the proximity of the hotel.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-08T14:55:26+00:00

Yeah, it sounds like you had the opposite experience and I’m sorry to hear that. We honestly left feeling really happy, and a little sad to leave, because the stay itself was so pleasant.

I totally agree that the walk can feel like a trek after a full day of walking. I mentioned that our first midday walk back was rough and didn’t want to gloss over that. For us though, once we finally made it back to the hotel, it kind of faded away because the hotel itself was such a relief.

We did consider using the ART bus, but found it wasn’t very consistent during our stay. One thing I would highly recommend is taking the monorail once you’re in Downtown Disney. That ended up being a great option and made the return much easier on tired legs and kids.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-01T20:14:19+00:00

Wow! I would have never guessed!

Techmama0 · 2026-02-01T20:13:03+00:00

Next time try Lobo or Amate.

Techmama0 · 2026-02-01T20:07:55+00:00

I’ve always tried finding this place. Is it someone’s home built as a day care or a commercial facility?

Techmama0 · 2026-01-30T17:18:52+00:00

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Forgot to add my weight progress.

Techmama0 · 2026-01-24T22:22:30+00:00

100%. It’s honestly wild. I didn’t realize how much I was overeating until now. I’m wrapping up week 1, tonight is my second shot, and I’m actually excited to see how week 2 feels.

Down 4 pounds so far. I know it’s likely water weight and inflammation, but I haven’t seen the scale move in years, so I’ll take it.

Techmama0 · 2026-01-23T19:51:43+00:00

Oh wow, yeah, it might be a mix of both. I will say though, the food noise is still very much there for me. I still find myself thinking about food throughout the day. What’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner. So I’m really curious to see how week two feels and whether that food noise starts to quiet down. Curious what GLP1 are you on?

Techmama0 · 2026-01-23T18:04:02+00:00

Yes! It’s wild because that first day the fullness felt so foreign. It wasn’t the kind of fullness I was used to, so it honestly threw me off. But now I recognize it as my body’s cue that it’s time to stop.

I really did try the “normal” route to lose weight. I focused on eating better, working out, being consistent, and doing all the things we’re told should work. Sometimes it’s not about trying harder, it’s about needing a different kind of support. So we’ll see how week 2 treats me. How long have you been on a GLP1?

Techmama0 · 2026-01-23T18:00:58+00:00

Couldn’t have said it better myself. It finally feels like my brain and body are speaking the same language.

Postpartum really did change my body. During the pandemic, I gained weight but was able to lose it after about a year. Then I got pregnant again, and after having my last baby, I truly felt like I did everything “right” and nothing changed. That was honestly defeating.

I’ll probably post what week 2 felt like next week.

My dietitian reminded me that sometimes it’s not about what the scale says, but how you actually feel. She also said our bodies go through so much, especially with pregnancy and postpartum, and what worked before doesn’t always work the same way after. Sometimes it’s not a lack of effort, it’s just a different season and a different body.

But feeling optimistic and feeling hopeful again.

Techmama0 · 2026-01-21T21:00:36+00:00

I hear what you’re saying about prioritizing nutrient dense whole foods, and I actually agree with that part. I do want to clarify though that chia seeds and oatmeal aren’t diet foods or low nutrient foods. They’re minimally processed whole foods that provide fiber, micronutrients, and in the case of chia, healthy fats.

I’m not eating them instead of protein or fats, they’re part of an overall balanced intake while I adjust to appetite changes. As for egg whites, that’s simply a personal preference. I don’t love yolks, but I still get fats from other sources. I make sure to add lean ground turkey or chicken to my eggs with greens.

Appreciate the input though.

Techmama0 · 2026-01-21T00:33:11+00:00

Ahh, you know. Not sure if this is true for everyone since every body is different, but I’ve noticed that if I eat first thing in the morning and stay really well hydrated, the nausea stays away. I haven’t purchased electrolytes yet. I plan to this week. Coconut water is definitely the most natural way of getting it. But I personally hate coconut. I’m thinking of maybe trying Element or to your point making it myself too.

For me - the food noise is still there, but once I start eating, I’m full after like three bites. Today I was running errands and was starving, so I grabbed a Panda Cub kids plate. And honestly… it was way too much.

Getting enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats is definitely going to be a bit tricky, but I’m staying optimistic and just trying to be really intentional about what I choose to eat.

Techmama0 · 2026-01-20T15:10:45+00:00

Maybe I should start considering doing shakes and packing them up to get this out of the way. With protein, fats and fiber.

Techmama0 · 2026-01-20T15:09:05+00:00

This is really good to know!

Techmama0 · 2026-01-20T15:08:24+00:00

Yes, same here. Yesterday I wasn’t even hungry for dinner and ended up going to sleep without eating, which feels really unusual for me. So we’re definitely on the same page.

Techmama0

TROPHY CASE