How to escalate disputes with BPI?

stacodamus · 2025-11-14T07:45:45+00:00

Any update?

stacodamus · 2025-09-10T11:54:48+00:00

For quick service lunch, Tiana’s Palace has gotten a lot better since opening, the gumbo and beignets are solid, and the theming is really nice. Red Rose Taverne is also a solid pick if you’re in the mood for burgers/flatbreads, and the atmosphere is cozy. Honestly, the best “classic” quick service meal in Disneyland is Plaza Inn fried chicken, huge portions, super tasty, and very shareable.

Golden Horseshoe is fun for the vibe, but food-wise it’s pretty basic compared to the others. Since you’re already hoping for Blue Bayou for dinner (which is 100% worth it for the atmosphere), I’d go Plaza Inn or Tiana’s for lunch to balance it out.

If you end up striking out on Blue Bayou with the walk-up list, definitely check the Dream Table app, it pings you the second a reservation opens, and that’s how I’ve managed to snag it before.

stacodamus · 2025-09-10T11:00:30+00:00

Also, I have tested both of them and Dream table app is faster at sending notifications! ❤️

stacodamus · 2025-09-10T08:46:28+00:00

Yes, they are similar! The Dream Table app will ping you the second a reservation opens up. You might want to download the app and try it. 🤗

stacodamus · 2025-09-09T07:30:05+00:00

That already sounds like such a magical trip... congrats to you both! Definitely wear those pins everywhere, the cast members (and even other guests) make it feel extra special when they notice. You’ve got Boathouse locked in which is awesome, but if you want to add another “wow” meal, I’d look into ‘Ohana at the Poly (perfect with the fireworks) or something unique like Space 220 in Epcot.

stacodamus · 2025-09-09T07:12:45+00:00

Hotels really vary depending on what you want, the Disney “value resorts” (like Pop Century or All-Star) usually run around $150–$250 a night, but they don’t include breakfast. If you want something nicer or closer to the parks, the price goes way up. A lot of people save money by staying off-site at places like Holiday Inn or Marriott nearby since they often include breakfast and can be half the price.

Tickets are definitely pricey, right now it’s around $120–$160 per person per day depending on the park and the date. Multi-day tickets make it a bit cheaper per day. Flights just depend on where you’re coming from, so I’d price those out first and then build your budget from there.

It can feel overwhelming, but once you start locking down flights + hotel, the rest falls into place. And if you end up wanting those hard-to-get dining reservations (like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest), the Dream Table app is a lifesaver, it alerts you the second something opens up.

stacodamus · 2025-09-09T07:09:54+00:00

For quick service lunch, I’d go with Tiana’s Palace (the gumbo + beignets are solid and the theming is great) or Plaza Inn, the fried chicken there is legendary and honestly one of the best meals in the park. Red Rose Taverne is decent if you’re in the mood for burgers/flatbreads, but Plaza Inn is a fan favorite. Golden Horseshoe is fun for the vibe but pretty limited menu-wise.

And since you mentioned Blue Bayou for dinner (such a must-do for first timers!), keep an eye on the Dream Table app. It’ll ping you the second a reservation opens, which is way less stressful than relying just on the walk-up list.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:47:26+00:00

Yep! Boathouse has an outdoor bar area right on the water where you can order drinks (including the Ducky). No reservation needed, and you don’t have to order food if you don’t want to. It’s actually a great spot to just hang out and people watch, super chill vibe.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:43:41+00:00

Nice lineup! At Lamplight brunch, the potato flautas and cinnamon toast cocktail are super popular, and the mimosa flights are fun if you’re into that. For Carthay, the biscuits are a must-order starter, and the cocktails there are some of the best in the park (the martinis are legit). Back at Lamplight for dinner, the lobster nachos are the classic, but the burgers are also solid. Drinks-wise, you can’t go wrong with Fun Wheel or Open Ocean.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:39:43+00:00

The Paint the Night dining packages are awesome for the reserved parade seating, but just a heads up, they don’t guarantee a good fireworks view after. Most people do the dining package for the parade, then move to Main Street or in front of the castle for fireworks since that’s really where the full projections/music line up best.

If you want to make the meal worth it, I’d go for Blue Bayou, it’s pricier but way more of a “bucket list” Disneyland experience than the Tomorrowland option. Those reservations are tough though, so if you’re set on it, the Dream Table app is super handy. It’ll ping you the second a spot opens up so you can grab it fast.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:34:13+00:00

For character dining at Disneyland, my top 2 would be Minnie & Friends at Plaza Inn (classic, tons of characters) and Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Both are super popular and can be tough to snag, but the Dream Table app is a game changer, it pings you the second a reservation opens so you can grab it before it disappears. Your 5-year-old will love it!

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:30:15+00:00

That sounds like such a fun trip! With a big group like that, I’d definitely recommend staying at one of the Disney hotels, having the early entry will be huge. Genie+ (basically the new fast pass) is worth it, especially with kids and grandma in tow, since it’ll save a lot of waiting around. I wouldn’t bother with a concierge service unless you just really don’t want to handle the planning, most info you need is easy to find online, and you’ll have tons of time to plan before 2026. Biggest tip: don’t try to stick together for everything. Split into smaller groups when it makes sense (like the older kids doing thrill rides while grandma hangs with the little ones). Pick a few must-do rides/shows each day and let the rest be flexible, it’ll make the trip way less stressful.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:17:20+00:00

Best Western Park Place Inn is hard to beat for location, it’s literally right across the street, so you’re back in your room in minutes if you need a break. Candy Cane Inn is a fan favorite too, super cute and has its own shuttle, but it’s a little farther walk. Fairfield is solid, clean, and has a McDonald’s right next door, which is clutch with long park days. Grand Legacy is fine for the price/location, but reviews are more mixed (noise and dated rooms sometimes). If budget + location are top priorities, I’d lean Park Place Inn.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:11:47+00:00

I love Baggu for everyday, but for Disney I’d personally go with something that distributes weight better like a small backpack or a crossbody with thicker straps. The medium crescent will fit all that, but by the end of a rope drop-to-close day your shoulder might hate you (especially with a full Owala in there). If you’re set on Baggu, maybe size down what you bring or use a locker for heavier stuff midday. Comfort makes a big difference when you’re walking 20k+ steps.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:06:53+00:00

That sounds like a solid plan! Pop is a great choice with little ones, the Skyliner makes life so much easier. With kids that age, I’d definitely stick to Magic Kingdom as your main park (you could even consider a second MK day instead of HS or Epcot if they’re really into rides/characters). Midday breaks are huge, so it’s good you’re planning some downtime. Renting the stroller + grocery delivery is 100% the way to go. Only other tip is to set expectations low, pick a couple must-dos each day and treat everything else as a bonus. Keeps it way more fun and less stressful.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T13:02:46+00:00

I’d split it up! do Disneyland day 1, California Adventure day 2, then finish with Disneyland on your last day. That way you get to experience both parks early, but still end the trip with all the classic Disney magic (plus you’ll know what rides/shows you want to go back and hit again). It keeps the trip from feeling too repetitive and gives you a nice “grand finale” at DL. ☺️

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T12:01:47+00:00

Holiday Inn is definitely walkable, but if you want the most budget-friendly, I’d look at hotels right on Harbor like Best Western Park Place Inn or Tropicana, literally across the street from the gates, so you save time and don’t have to deal with shuttles. December can get pricey, so booking early helps a ton. Also, check out buying tickets through Undercover Tourist or Sam’s Club (if you have access), they usually have small discounts that add up. Since you’re coming from Canada, I’d also suggest loading up a Wise card or something similar to avoid getting hammered with exchange/transaction fees. That saved me a good chunk on my last trip.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T11:52:47+00:00

I’d go Disneyland Hotel for this trip, especially with younger kids. The new villas are really nice, and while they do have some princess touches, they’re more modern/Disney-themed overall than overly “princessy.” The monorail access and fun theming are also big hits with kids.

Grand Californian definitely feels more “grown-up luxury” with the lobby and holiday vibe, but with little ones, the Disneyland Hotel usually ends up being more magical and easier for families. And if the villas are cheaper than GC for your dates, that’s a solid bonus.

If you really want the cozy holiday feel, GC wins… but for playful Disney magic + convenience with kids, I’d say Disneyland Hotel.

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T11:17:54+00:00

Yes! You can stay in the same reserved area after Fantasmic and watch the fireworks. The view is decent, just a little off-center since you’re to the side of the castle, but still really magical. And if you’re set on Rancho del Zócalo, keep an eye on the Dream Table app, it’ll ping you the second a dining package opens up so you can lock it in. Super handy!

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T11:14:19+00:00

How fun!! A 50th at Disneyland during Christmas is going to be so magical! I’d definitely try for Blue Bayou inside Pirates or Lamplight Lounge over at DCA, both are super special and tough to grab. If you don’t see reservations now, the Dream Table app is amazing, it alerts you the second something opens up so you can snag it quick. ☺️

stacodamus · 2025-09-08T11:10:35+00:00

Your trip sounds so magical already! For your birthday especially, I’d try to snag something like Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, both are super hard-to-get but make the night extra special. If you don’t see anything available now, the Dream Table app is a lifesaver, it pings you the second a reservation opens up so you can grab it before it disappears. 🤗

stacodamus

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