Mom And Daughter Inside Disney hotel; in costume; cinderella
  • On Mar 21, 2012
    Jennifer from ON Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    our ds 13bday is next year and we want it to be a special one. he loves snow/skate boarding and wants to try surfing, but we didnt know where would be better to go aulani or GCH (go to the beach) as we do have 2 other kids ds-10 & dd 8 when we go. tha

    Hello, Jennifer!

    What a great plan to celebrate your son's upcoming 13th birthday!

    I am sure that either a family vacation at Aulani or the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be truly spectacular for the entire family, so this is a win-win situation!

    Now, to compare the two options, consider if you'd like to center your vacation around a beach, then Aulani is the better choice. Your younger two children will truly enjoy this resort as well, as there are activities for everyone here...not to mention that beach! Here, there's even the option to book an excursion in which your son can learn to surf, among other great family-friendly options. Be sure to check out the activities that are available at Aulani, as well. 

    While Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa would be a great place for your celebration, it's not on a beach.  My Moms Panel Disneyland Specialist buddies Ari and Amanda both concur that getting to the beach from Disneyland Resort will take quite a bit of driving, with lots of traffic in your way as well.  If you decide NOT to try this as a beach vacation, then, of course, Disneyland Resort will provide your entire family with a truly magical vacation that no one will soon forget. Of course, this will be a park-centered vacation, so be sure to check out all that Disneyland Park has to offer, as well as her sister, Disney California Adventure Park.

    Again, either way, you can't go wrong with these choices.  Once you've decided, please be sure to send the Moms Panel additional questions based on what you've decided here.  We'd all love to help!
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Meet the Panelist: Andrea, Pennsylvania

I am a teacher, wife and mom who has been a member of the Disney Vacation Club since 2003. I love discovering a new favorite DVC resort, fantastic restaurant or hidden gem onboard a Disney ship! I'm a micro-planner who can help you capture your own magic! Learn More About Andrea

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