How to kill four hours near Disneyland between 1:00am and 5:00am (Murrieta: hotels, to buy)

[wrcousert]

I'm planning to take a bus to Disneyland from Murrieta sometime next month. The park closes at Midnight, probably won't get out of it until 1:00am or so.

The first bus back doesn't leave until 5:00am, giving me about four hours to kill.

I'd rather not spend those four hours sitting at a bus bench and I don't want to waste $60 in a motel/hotel room for just four hours.

Are there any 24 hour movie theaters near Disneyland? 24 hour coffee shops?

What else can I do in those wee hours of the morning?

[ferretkona]

You could probably kill a couple hours in the lobby of the resort hotels. They are pretty nice and there may be some diner open in one. Bring a book and relax in the lobby, the big one like a huge cabin has a nice fireplace. In the walk between Dizzy/California Adventure and the parking structure is a bunch of restaurant/bars that will kill time to 2am.

There is a Denny's on Harbor on the east side of Dizzy, they are open 24/7.

[wrcousert]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

You could probably kill a couple hours in the lobby of the resort hotels. They are pretty nice and there may be some diner open in one. Bring a book and relax in the lobby, the big one like a huge cabin has a nice fireplace. In the walk between Dizzy/California Adventure and the parking structure is a bunch of restaurant/bars that will kill time to 2am.

There is a Denny's on Harbor on the east side of Dizzy, they are open 24/7.

Sitting in the lobby of the Grand Californian with my laptop sounds like a perfect way to spend those four hours.

But what about security? They'd probably ask for my room key and toss me out if I didn't have one.

Denny's sounds good too, but four hours is a long time to spend in a restaurant.

Has anyone in the forum tried anything like this?

[BRinSM]

i used to work around disneyland and outside of a couple of restaurants and the hotels, nothing is open that late. as for hanging out in one of the hotels, the disney staff is usually quite friendly so as long as you are quiet, I doubt they would care that you are hanging around in the lobby. you could always mention that you just paid way too much to go in their park earlier in the day and that in the least they owe you a few hours in the hotel lobby :-p

[ferretkona]

The park is pretty friendly as long as you are behaved. They actually have a patrol truck that drives around making sure you can get your vehicle started and will give free battery jumps.

Their main concern is your visit be wonderful. Almost like a pitboss at a casino they will bend over backwards to help you.

You could always give the hotel desk a call and tell them your needs.

[Curmudgeon]

Dunno! If you were trying to kill four hours IN Disneyland, that would be easy. Just get into line for the Matterhorn, Pirates of the Carribean or the Haunted Mansion.

[Fontucky]

Whatever you end up doing, make sure it doesn't include Captain Kidd's.

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by wrcousert

Sitting in the lobby of the Grand Californian with my laptop sounds like a perfect way to spend those four hours.

But what about security? They'd probably ask for my room key and toss me out if I didn't have one.

Nah, they won't care as long as you don't look suspicious. And even if they want to know what you're doing, I think that BRinSM and ferretkona are right; since you were at the park all day they'll probably be happy to let you stay until your bus comes because I think they can sympathize with you not wanting to wait at the bus stop from 1-5 AM.

[wrcousert]

Originally Posted by Radical347

Nah, they won't care as long as you don't look suspicious. And even if they want to know what you're doing, I think that BRinSM and ferretkona are right; since you were at the park all day they'll probably be happy to let you stay until your bus comes because I think they can sympathize with you not wanting to wait at the bus stop from 1-5 AM.

I think that's what I'll do then.

Is it possible to buy food there after Midnight? Maybe I'll be a little more legit if I'm consuming something purchased from their snack bar....

[DewDropInn]

I've never sat in the lobby of the Grand California in the middle of the night, but I've spent a TON of time there resting my feet and watching the people go by. There's lots of big comfy chairs and the fire goes 24/7. If a cast member approaches you just tell them the truth. If you just sit there and read I'd be shocked if they said anything to you.

There are places to eat in the hotel but I don't know their hours. There's Whitewater Snacks for a quick burger. There's a bar just off the lobby. I've often gotten a glass of wine from there and sat in front of the fire with a magazine. I love the place. If in doubt, call the desk. Very, very friendly.