Fresh Eyes Friday: Do Disneyland Like a Bachelor

in Disneyland Resort

So you’ve got an occasion to celebrate. Here’s everything you need for you and your crew to man up with the ultimate bachelor weekend at Disneyland. And of course we’d like to point out that guys’ weekends and bachelor parties are meant for all types of gents – not just sports-watching, beer-drinking types. That’s why you’ll see things to do that cover a range of interests. If we didn’t appeal to your idea of a great guys’ weekend away, let us in on how you and your friends would do it.

Day One

First things first, there will be no driving home after these nights, so make it a legit event and book a room you all can walk back to. The Disneyland Hotel is a classic choice. It sleeps up to five in a room and is tastefully outfitted in bronze and blue with plaid accents. After these jam-packed days, you’ll be ready to crash there.

room-ds-g00
A little bit of class goes a long way.

When you’ve got your bearings, head over to California Adventure via the hotel guest entrance at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. While you’re walking through the hotel, stop in at Mandara Spa and book up some advance times for the end of the weekend. For real. After a few days of drinking and sunning, you and your pack might like to detox with some deep-tissue massages.

Once you’re in the park, you’re on a mission. Your day is going to need some fuel, and Smokejumpers Grill is right inside the side door, so head there first for a bacon cheddar burger and some smokin’ onion rings. Wash it down with non-alcohol for now. Why? Because, if you play it right, we have an excellent way to drink for cheap and have some fun in a series of competitions where the lowest score buys the round.

6_15_DL_000001231-742x495
Grab some wilderness grub before you set off on your bachelor journey.

Round 1: Low score at Boardwalk Games buys a round at Bayside Brews. We suggest the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The jalapeno cheese-filled pretzel is a mighty delicious accompaniment.

games-of-the-boardwalk-00
If you’re low an actual skills, go for the water gun game.
bayside-brews-00
Bottoms up.

Intermission: Let the soothing sound of NPH’s “Ready, screamers?!” draw you to the twisting turns of California Screamin’.

California-Screamin_6_04_DCA_011685-742x593
Here’s a good place to sound your barbaric yawp.

Round 2: Low score at Midway Mania buys a round at Cove Bar. We suggest the tequila flights. The tri-tip sliders are fantastic if you’re hungry.

toy-story-mania-00
Imagine the muscle you’re building on that bonus round. No pain no gain.

Intermission: Cruise for some man souvies at Ramone’s House of Body Art. The lines of merch at Ramone’s celebrate car culture and are the most unique and well done in the park. If you’re missing your Betty, this is a good spot to pick up something for her, too. On the sly, of course.

rir293856SMALL
Bonus points for scoring a Lux De Ville purse for your lady. The shop will even send your purchase straight to your hotel for you. Just ask.

Round 3: Second place car at Radiator Springs Racers splits a round at Sonoma Terrace, your home for craft beer at DCA. We suggest the Sculpin IPA. Pair it with the cold cut plate as needed.

rsr101120SMALL
RSR is a good chance for the playing field to be evened out a little. Good luck!
PCB289376SMALL
Beer here!

Drop in at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, then grab a snack at Award Wieners, where you should be able to come up with at least three inappropriate jokes about their claim to have the “best wiener.” If you’ve had your fill of meat and wheat, opt for a sweet or a (limited time) Spicy “Fear” less Lemonade, spiked with chipotle pepper. Finally, head back to the Grizzly Peak area to exit the way you entered DCA, but stop first for a plunge down Grizzly River Run. You can grab some dry clothes (including some rustic, non-Disney gear) next door at Rushin’ River Outfitters.

twilight-zone-tower-of-terror-gallery05
Remember to be cool for the photo.
award-weiners-00
No comment…
grz193199LARGE
Bonus wager: he who stays dry must buy.
rushin-river-outfitters-00
Heads up to the outdoorsmen in your crew. They should feel semi-at-home here.

At night, gather your boys for nighttime eats at House of Blues. The Crossroads has got the biggest menu on DLR property and huge portions, so there should be something for everyone. Another bonus, the music is so loud you can use it to take a break from chatting. Not that you’re not bros, but everyone needs a little down time.

house-of-blues-restaurant-00
Blues + booze = a good night out.

After dinner, you’ve got a couple of options: music or movies. If you plan to stick around HOB for a show (they’re always good), consider getting advance tickets for national acts. Otherwise, just enjoy the local and regional sounds that play this stage. If you’re looking for a blockbuster of a different kind, head across the way to the AMC theater and hit a movie.

Day Two

Another day, another test of skill. On your way out the door to Disneyland, stop at guest services in the Disneyland Hotel lobby and pick up a few copies of the Pirates Life trivia kit. Those will come in handy later. Then, start your morning off right with a decent breakfast. You’ll find that at Tomorrowland Terrace in the form of a breakfast burrito. Chorizo? Check. Eggs? Check. Potatoes? Check. It even comes with a side of fresh fruit, for balance. While you’re there, grab a Boba Fett stein and get it filled with your beverage of choice. Ain’t no booze at Disneyland.

A lack of adult beverages in the park doesn’t mean a lack of competition. These games pay out later, so keep track as you go and make the appropriate party pony up when the time is right.

Round 1: Low score at Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters buys a round later at Hearthstone Lounge. We suggest the Red Stag Lemonade. Like you’re NOT going to order something with “stag” in the title. Tease your appetite with the sticky spare ribs.

GCH3-742x613
Score a table at the bar if you want sports TV, in the back of the place if you prefer games and books. Or head outside for stogies.

Intermission: Knock out the additional man-friendly rides in Tomorrowland while you’re there. Autopia, Space Mountain, and Star Tours will get you well on your way toward lunchtime. Split a pizza at Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port when you get hungry, or check out Edelweiss Snacks if you want something portable.

star-tours-00
Geeks are sexy. Don’t forget it.
redd-rocketts-pizza-port-00
The old-school arcade and pizza parlor vibe is just right for guy time.
edelweiss-snacks-00
Don’t let the pretty little flowers fool you. Hit Edelweiss for savage turkey legs and massive chimichangas.

Round 2: Low score at the Shootin’ Exposition buys a round later at Trader Sam’s. We suggest the Passionate Python. Cue another round of jokes, and while you’re on a roll, add the pu pu platter to your friend’s tab as well.

disneyland-hotel-overview-g18
This is as close to swingin’ as you’ll get. Feel the aloha.

Intermission: Hit Big Thunder, then paddle those Explorer Canoes like men. After the workout, cool off in the Pioneer Mercantile, where they sell some understated gear in a frontier environment. If you want additional intermission time, tangent to Critter Country for a beverage refill at the Hungry Bear and a spin through the hat selection at the Briar Patch.

BTMRR-742x488
Explosives, bones, speed, wilderness. All manish stuff.
pioneer-mercantile-00
Cowboy up!

Round 3: Low score on the Pirates Life trivia challenge buys a round of corn dogs at the Stage Door Café.

Hand-dipped-Corn-Dogs-613x408
Disneyland corn dogs are seriously sooooooo good. Even if you’re buying this round, you’re still a winner.

Finish out your day at Disneyland by adventuring through Indiana Jones and the Jungle Cruise. As you exit the park, stop at Disneyana and check out the collectables you might need.

295_DLC_25-742x593
Indiana Jones is an icon of masculinity so strong you’ll basically emerge from the temple of Mara with a magic man musk.
disneyana-00
It’s my . . . collection.

After you get cleaned up, head back out for a night of cashing in on the liquid prizes you acquired by dominating at Buzz Lightyear and the Shootin’ Expo. Cheers!

mixmizu657822-613x345
To you and your friends!

Day Three

You and your homies really only have a partial day left of the weekend, so this is a good time to take it easy. Start with a morning lap around Downtown Disney. Shop it up at gentleman faves The Lego Store, D-Street, and Fossil, which will cater to all of your geek and gadget needs. If you’re feeling it, test drive some Ridemakerz demo cars. Then head over to ESPN Zone to continue your tourney.

lego-imagination-center-00
You can finally spend as much time in the Lego store as you want.
d-street-00
Nerd shirts galore are waiting for you at D-Street.
fossil-00
In case you want to level up your accessories game.

Round 1: Low score at ESPN Zone Sports Arena (the upstairs gaming haven) buys a round at the adjacent bar. We suggest screwdrivers or bloody marys, since it’s brunchtime.

espn-zone-restaurant-00
Bribe the kid hogging your machine with your winning tickets.

Intermission: Take a walk to the Paradise Pier Hotel, home of the last remaining hotel arcade on property. And we use that term generously.

Round 2: Low score at the Paradise Pier arcade closet buys a poolside round when you get back to the DL Hotel.

paradise-pier-g03
Wait, who put that Goofy statue in this early ’90s bank lobby?

Intermission: Check out of your room and then hunker down by the resort pool for most of the rest of the day. If you’re flush, put in for a cabana. It’ll give you respite from the sun, as well as a million towels, fresh fruit and cold water, and personal service for when your buddy orders that round he owes you.

disneyland-hotel-overview-g02
Your command center for the day.

No worries about getting put back together after the pool. You’ve got your spa time all lined up and can use the facilities in the locker room at Mandara.

ent567448SMALL
Pre-booked like the pros you are.

 

Up next week: Do Disneyland Like a Foodie – Breakfast

in Disneyland Resort

View Comments (2)