1st Trip to Disneyland HELP??

[disneyland_bound2010]

I am going to Disneyland for the very 1st time in May for my birthday with my DH and have a couple questions if anyone who knows about DL can help.
- What is the crowd level like around the beginning of may?

- We will be flying there is it good to book a flight through the disney website and use the disney transportation (where they pick up your luggage and take it to the room and such) ? Or should we just get a cab and arrange a flight outside of disney planning?

- Is 3-4 days enough to do it all or too much time. I have been to WDW but don't know much about DL?? So I wasn't sure if I would run out of things to do in that time frame?

- I have never been to California and have always wanted to go, so I was wondering what sights are good to see that are close and conveniant to DL? Or is that out of the way and a trip in itself. I hear the traffic is bad and I don't know if I would be putting to many things in my agenda for a 3-4 day peroid?

-Lastly, is there alot of places to eat at? And is there a downtown disney like the one at WDW in florida?

Sorry for all the questions I just don't know where to start because I know the calibur of WDW but not DL! And I don't know how to compare the two???

Thank you sooo much for reading and for any help or advice from you all!!!!

 

[Princess Row]

I cant say much about the crowds in may.

I would rccomend booking your won flight and then catching a cab next to the disneyland express, many times if the cab drivers know you are thinking about catching the disneyland bus they will drop the cab price wayy down.

3-4 days is a perfect amount of time to get everything done if you pace yourself decently. Ive never been to WDW but i hear its much bigger and takes alot more time.

There are other theme parks around but with only 3-4 days i would reccomend just focusing on disneyland and not the other theme parks, attractions.

There are TONS of places to eat from a pricy sit down, character meals, a quick on the go or a cheap sit down. theres all sorts of food. Mexican, italian, buffet, meats, veggie, and others. I dont know what exactly is in DTD in WDW but at DL DTD has places to eat, snacks, shops, and desserts.

~ Hope this helps!

 

[nana50]

If you get a chance buzz on down to San Diego for the day. There is so much to see. You could just go to La Jolla or Coronado and not spend any monety except lunch. Of course the Wild Animal Park or the zoo is always an option.

 

[I worked there]

The crowds in May vary, but generally if the weather is good, the people will come. May is a weird month as it is between Spring Break and Summer, both really busy times. You should be fine as long as you aren't going anywhere near Memorial Day. I think the least crowded days are in the middle of the week- Tuesday and Wednesday.

There are plenty of places to eat in both parks as well as in DTD. I have never been to WDW so I cannot compare though. There are also restaurants within walking distance from the resort or a 5 min drive that would be less expensive if you are looking to eat before or after you leave the parks.

Have fun!

As far as San Diego...it is not really a "buzz" away. It is a 2 hour drive each way.

 

[HydroGuy]

I am going to Disneyland for the very 1st time in May for my birthday with my DH and have a couple questions if anyone who knows about DL can help.
- What is the crowd level like around the beginning of may?

I am sure you will have a great time visiting the DL theme park (Disneyland), DCA theme park (Disney's California Adventure) and all of DLR (Disneyland Resort).

Usually May is light on crowds. However, that is not always as good a thing at DLR as it is at WDW. Low crowds and off-season have more downsides at DLR. Make sure you get a handle on that soon - "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Also, this May might be more crowded than usual. There is a new show debuting at DCA called World of Color that will bring in "epic" crowds. It was scheduled to open late April or early May, but lately there are rumors it will be delayed to later in May. Hard to say right now. See this thread and especially the second post for more info: "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

Also check this lengthy thread for more comparison info "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

- We will be flying there is it good to book a flight through the disney website and use the disney transportation (where they pick up your luggage and take it to the room and such) ? Or should we just get a cab and arrange a flight outside of disney planning?

I was aware Disney offers some transportation to some of the airports (I have never used it at DLR). However, it is not like Magical Express. If they pick up and take luggage to your room I did not know that. Here is more info on transportation:

"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

- Is 3-4 days enough to do it all or too much time. I have been to WDW but don't know much about DL?? So I wasn't sure if I would run out of things to do in that time frame?

Do it all? No. Have a solid experience? Yes for sure. Three days is the minimum to feel like you experienced most of DLR. It depends on when you go. If you go offseason week days you may have lower crowds but will not be able to see many of the shows. So that will reduce your ability to experience DLR.

- I have never been to California and have always wanted to go, so I was wondering what sights are good to see that are close and conveniant to DL? Or is that out of the way and a trip in itself. I hear the traffic is bad and I don't know if I would be putting to many things in my agenda for a 3-4 day peroid?

Depends what you mean by close. Hollywood. Beaches. San Diego. Check the final section of "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" for more info on other things to do in SoCal.

-Lastly, is there alot of places to eat at? And is there a downtown disney like the one at WDW in florida?

Sorry for all the questions I just don't know where to start because I know the calibur of WDW but not DL! And I don't know how to compare the two???

The sticky thread at the top of the forum answers most all of your questions:

* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

As far comparing WDW and DLR, do read the "DLR Guide for WDW Vets" link.

 

[disneyland_bound2010]

Thank you all so much!! Hydro guy- thanks those threads are AWESOME!
Princess Row- I am going to book my own flight and take a cab with your advice thanks it did help! I worked there- im going during the week so i look forward to those mid week low crowds! Nana50- thanks i may just do that! I've always wanted to see San Diego so it might just work it's way into my schedule! I think I have all the info for my trip and I can't wait to go to Disneyland!!!! YaY Ya'll are wayyyy awesome and thanks a million for your time and advice it is GREATLY appreciated!!!