1st Time to Disneyland ?'s

[herb102211]

My DH and I are planning a trip out to Disneyland this September, staying at the Grand Californians Villas. We’ve been to Disney World too many times to count, but this is our first trip headed out west, and we have a few questions-

Which airport is best to fly into? We can get a nonstop flight on Jet Blue to Long Beach, but someone told me Orange County/John Wayne is closer to DL. Which do most people prefer?

How much are cab fares generally, from either airport?

We’re going to DL the first week of September. How are the crowds and weather?

Will the Halloween decorations be setup by then?

DH also wants to go to a beach while in CA. Any recommendations on beaches close to DL?

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Melissa

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Up in the info stickies are links to two threads that'll help. Hydroguys Tips for WDW Vets and Airport Proximity.

First week of September is low crowds (after labor day) which includes shorter hours and more refurbs. Halloween will start around the second or third Friday in September. One for sure closure that week is Haunted Mansion to install the holiday overlay. Fireworks and Fantasmc! Will only be on Friday-Sunday (and labor day).

Weather will be warm to even hot, but not humid like WDW. It'll be cool in the mornings and evenings. We've gone during that time of year and we brought light sweatshirts or long sleeves for the evenings and a pair of pants. during the day it was shorts and tanks.

 

[GrandBob]

My DH and I are planning a trip out to Disneyland this September, staying at the Grand Californians Villas. We’ve been to Disney World too many times to count, but this is our first trip headed out west, and we have a few questions-

First order of business is to read Hydroguy's excellent treatise, A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

Which airport is best to fly into? We can get a nonstop flight on Jet Blue to Long Beach, but someone told me Orange County/John Wayne is closer to DL. Which do most people prefer?

How much are cab fares generally, from either airport?

Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information, by 3TinksAndAnEeyore. LGB is nearly as close as SNA. And non-stop trumps the difference in distance. If you can get a good non-stop fare to LGB, take it!

We’re going to DL the first week of September. How are the crowds and weather?

Detailed Weather Data for DLR

Will the Halloween decorations be setup by then?

Probably around the middle of September.

DH also wants to go to a beach while in CA. Any recommendations on beaches close to DL?

Newport Beach and Huntington Beach would be closest.

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Melissa

You're most welcome. Welcome to the left (and gentle) side of the DIS.

BTW, there are lots more stickies that can help. Look for MaryJo's stickies at the top of the thread list.

-Bob

ETA - And again, Shannon sneaks in ahead of me. You're too quick for me, Shannon

 

[ArchOwl]

Here is the sticky for WDW vets coming to DLR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599
It has a lot of very good information.

Here is the thread for airports: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Here is weather data comparing WDW and DLR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

You will definitely be going during the off season, which has its pros and cons. For more information see here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

Have fun planning!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

ETA - And again, Shannon sneaks in ahead of me. You're too quick for me, Shannon

And that was from my phone. You should see me use my lap top.

 

[herb102211]

Thank you all for your help! We really appreciate it. I'll check out the stickies too

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you all for your help! We really appreciate it. I'll check out the stickies too

There will be a big difference the first week of Sept before and after Labor Day. I would strongly encourage you to go before. The week after is when tons and tons of refurb start. Some folks like the lower crowds but for a first trip it is likely to be a bit of a downer.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We love love love LGB!! Our favorite airport. Small but comfortable There's my small tidbit..everyone else has given awesome ideas.

 

[tiggerjay]

We can get a nonstop flight on Jet Blue to Long Beach, but someone told me Orange County/John Wayne is closer to DL.

Melissa, given the option I would definitely fly into Long Beach (LGB) on Jet Blue. Great airline, and LGB is a small airport so it is really easy to get around. LAX is terrible, avoid at all costs. SNA/John Wayne is also nice and small, but if you've got Jet Blue + Direct Flight, I'd take that in a heart beat!