The travellers:
Me - Disney and planning addict
DH - 5th trip to the US. Not a Disney fan, but tags along.
DD6 - 3rd trip and Disney addict in the making.
DS5 - As above.
DS2 - 2nd trip, and to date, not an ideal travelling companion!!
Day 1 - Brisbane to LA - Friday 9th September.
We flew Air New Zealand as it was $2,000 cheaper than the other airlines, but meant a quick stop in Auckland. Check-in was quick and painless, compared to our experiences with Qantas and V. The flight to Auckland was uneventful, except for DS2 who on descent into Auckland, decided he wanted to sit by the window, and screamed for ever.
Our stopover in Auckland was for 2 hours. We had to go through security again, which I really cant figure out why, and we encountered the rudest security staff. We grabbed Burger King for dinner, then went to our boarding gate for our flight to LA. There was another security check at the boarding gate. DH's name was on the list for the full search so he got sent off to a screening area on the side. We had time for a quick toilet stop, then it was time to board.
Another uneventful flight, except again for DS2. We gave him the window seat to avoid another meltdown. He soon discovered if he sat on the edge of his seat, the cushion would fall forward and he would fall on the floor. Unfortunately this became a source of great amusement for him, along with opening and closing the tray table. Luckily the seat in front was vacant. Eventually he did fall asleep (without being drugged, though I did have Phenergan and Dimetapp on standby).
This was my first time ordering a gluten free airline meal, and I was pleasantly surprised. DH had meal envy. Unfortunately I do not have any photo's, as my meal arrived the same time as the kids.
If I was to fly Air NZ again, I would make sure I booked on the new aircraft. The seats were hard, the cushions fall off and the armrests do not fully raise.
Customs at LAX was painfully slow. A security guard directed us away from the regular customs line, to a shorter queue. I think it would have been quicker to stay in the regular line.
We caught the bus to Alamo, and DH used our Travel Jigsaw coupon with no problems. I had not read the fine print, and part of our arrangement was that we had to pre-pay for a full tank of fuel and bring it back empty. Not my preferred option, and it cost $100.
We made our way to our hotel, the Radisson at Buena Park. When I booked our airfares, I played around with the holiday packages. It was $300 cheaper to book a holiday package, with one nights accommodation, than it was to buy the airfares outright. The only other hotel that would allow 5 in a room was Howard Johnson, but there was no way I could go to the HoJo and not go to DLR.
Our room was large, with a separate living area and bedroom. The kids went for a swim, even though it was about 18 degrees. Dinner was at In n Out burger (without the bun), which was delicious. Again, no photos, as I was too tired. There was an Albertsons around the corner so we wandered around the supermarket for a while. I know I am crazy, but I love wandering around US supermarkets. Then it was back to our hotel for an early night.
Just a side note to explain my diet, in case there are any coeliac's reading. I have a wheat intolerance, so usually eat gluten free.
Our problem traveller
LA
Radisson Buena Park
The view from our room, with Knotts in the distance.
Me - Disney and planning addict
DH - 5th trip to the US. Not a Disney fan, but tags along.
DD6 - 3rd trip and Disney addict in the making.
DS5 - As above.
DS2 - 2nd trip, and to date, not an ideal travelling companion!!
Day 1 - Brisbane to LA - Friday 9th September.
We flew Air New Zealand as it was $2,000 cheaper than the other airlines, but meant a quick stop in Auckland. Check-in was quick and painless, compared to our experiences with Qantas and V. The flight to Auckland was uneventful, except for DS2 who on descent into Auckland, decided he wanted to sit by the window, and screamed for ever.
Our stopover in Auckland was for 2 hours. We had to go through security again, which I really cant figure out why, and we encountered the rudest security staff. We grabbed Burger King for dinner, then went to our boarding gate for our flight to LA. There was another security check at the boarding gate. DH's name was on the list for the full search so he got sent off to a screening area on the side. We had time for a quick toilet stop, then it was time to board.
Another uneventful flight, except again for DS2. We gave him the window seat to avoid another meltdown. He soon discovered if he sat on the edge of his seat, the cushion would fall forward and he would fall on the floor. Unfortunately this became a source of great amusement for him, along with opening and closing the tray table. Luckily the seat in front was vacant. Eventually he did fall asleep (without being drugged, though I did have Phenergan and Dimetapp on standby).
This was my first time ordering a gluten free airline meal, and I was pleasantly surprised. DH had meal envy. Unfortunately I do not have any photo's, as my meal arrived the same time as the kids.
If I was to fly Air NZ again, I would make sure I booked on the new aircraft. The seats were hard, the cushions fall off and the armrests do not fully raise.
Customs at LAX was painfully slow. A security guard directed us away from the regular customs line, to a shorter queue. I think it would have been quicker to stay in the regular line.
We caught the bus to Alamo, and DH used our Travel Jigsaw coupon with no problems. I had not read the fine print, and part of our arrangement was that we had to pre-pay for a full tank of fuel and bring it back empty. Not my preferred option, and it cost $100.
We made our way to our hotel, the Radisson at Buena Park. When I booked our airfares, I played around with the holiday packages. It was $300 cheaper to book a holiday package, with one nights accommodation, than it was to buy the airfares outright. The only other hotel that would allow 5 in a room was Howard Johnson, but there was no way I could go to the HoJo and not go to DLR.
Our room was large, with a separate living area and bedroom. The kids went for a swim, even though it was about 18 degrees. Dinner was at In n Out burger (without the bun), which was delicious. Again, no photos, as I was too tired. There was an Albertsons around the corner so we wandered around the supermarket for a while. I know I am crazy, but I love wandering around US supermarkets. Then it was back to our hotel for an early night.
Just a side note to explain my diet, in case there are any coeliac's reading. I have a wheat intolerance, so usually eat gluten free.
Our problem traveller
LA
Radisson Buena Park
The view from our room, with Knotts in the distance.
sounds like you had a great start to your trip 
the cushion coming of the seat that would freak me out
and just have the regular meal and hope I pick a nut free option!
Who am I kidding, I'm in heaven in any kind of shop.
Ready and waiting for more.
when I read about PF Changs! That is my favourite restaurant in the US! Gosh my mouth is watering at the thought! I wish we could have PF Changs in Australia!
