Help! Just back from WDW and planning April 2008 trip to DL!!! :)

[MrsAbel]

Hi all!

I just got back home yesterday from 6 days in WDW and now DH and I are planning to travel to DL in April 2008. I have no idea how to go about planning this and needed some advice from all of you DL vets.

1) Time of year to visit: We're planning to go sometime between April 19th and April 27th. Is this a good time to go????

2) Hotel Recommendations: I looked up Candy Cane Inn and like their rates so far. Any other hotels to check that are close? Staying on property is not necessary for us.

3) Number of days: I know that DL is smaller than WDW. So, how many full days would we need to see everything at least once and maybe certain things twice? We probably would go to Universal too for a day.

Thanks all!!!!

 

[lulubelle]

Welcome to the boards MrsAbel
I think because Easter is in March next year that later April will be less crowded that usual. I also think you will be quite happy with the CCI, it rates very high with visitors and for an offsite motel, it offers a lot (breakfast, dedicated shuttle, very responsive and caring staff). As far as length of stay, that is a personal thing. I recommend four nights, five days, doing Disney day one, two, four and five. On day three, go to the beach, another theme park, Hollywood, or shopping and pool lounging. Your feet will appreciate the rest mid-trip. Happy planning!

 

[tinkermell]

Hi and welcome to the DL DIS too!!!!!!
Be sure to check out Mary Jo's sticky on Maps, Info and so on. In it you will find Hydro Guys tips for WDW vets, coming to DL for the first time. Actually, it is even good info for DL vets.

I would suggest 4 days in the park, and like the other poster said, take time in between to see something else if you want. If you've never been to California, be sure to hit the beach and environs. Nothing quite like it, and I never grow tired of going there also.

Have alot of fun, and keep the questions coming!

 

[DLR29]

Well, April is a very busy month with many Spring Breaks here and there, so expect the parks to be crowded, but hours to be long and entertainment to be running in full swing.

A hotel we like to stay at is the Ramada Plaza. It is about a 5-10 minute walk, the closest off site AAA 3 diamond to the parks, and very nice. Though it doesn't have breakfast, we've stayed there twice and will definitely return. If you don't need a AAA 3 diamond, there are plenty of 2 diamond motels very close to the parks. Some favorites on these boards are the Best Western Park Place Inn (BWPPI) and the HOJOs, both across the street from the DL entrance plaza.

If you go to Universal, I would recommend 6 total days. Go to the parks 4 days and cover everything, then spend another day at USH, and one day resting, going to Downtown Disney, swimming, napping etc. You should, as mentioned earlier, plan your "off day" in the middle of the trip.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi all!

I just got back home yesterday from 6 days in WDW and now DH and I are planning to travel to DL in April 2008. I have no idea how to go about planning this and needed some advice from all of you DL vets.

1) Time of year to visit: We're planning to go sometime between April 19th and April 27th. Is this a good time to go????

2) Hotel Recommendations: I looked up Candy Cane Inn and like their rates so far. Any other hotels to check that are close? Staying on property is not necessary for us.

3) Number of days: I know that DL is smaller than WDW. So, how many full days would we need to see everything at least once and maybe certain things twice? We probably would go to Universal too for a day.

Thanks all!!!!

Here is a link to the thread to which Tink referred:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Late April will be low season. This has advantages and disadvantages and works differently that WDW. Check out this link for more info:

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Other posters gave good advice on hotels. There are some links in this thread that may help:

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

I would say plan for a minimum of three days at DLR. Four days would be better. USH only takes a day. If I planned to spend four days at DLR during late April or some other off season time, I would do it Wed-Sat. That would give two weekend nights (Fri/Sat) to see "weekend only" shows.