1st trip to Disneyland & I need help planning!

[catgirl]

Mom(72 & active), neice (12), and I (50) are planning our 1st trip to Disneyland.

We plan to fly into LAX June 13th and then this is where I need help.

Thinking of spending 2 days in LA to go to Universal Studios, maybe do the Warner Bros tour, or anything else someone might recommend. Mom & I have seen the Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame, Farmers Market & Rodeo drive.

Would like to spend 4-5 days in Disneyland/California Adventure & maybe go to Knotts Berry Farm.

I can't decide if we should go straight to Anaheim and stay at an off-site hotel (onsite too pricey for us) and commute? Or should we stay in LA for a couple of days & then go to Anaheim? Is there public transportation or would we need to hire a car. Do not want to rent a car, neither of us are comfortable driving in a strange city and parking seems to be an issue too.

Can anyone recommend hotels at either location? Would like pool, free breakfast, micro/fridge & free wifi.

Mom does have a military ID so if there are any deals anyone is aware of would appreciate help there too.

We planned several trips to WDW and it was a breeze because we stay on property for the duration.

Any and all tips, recommendations, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

 

[chickapin parterre]

Rail commuting is easy and close by, will need to do some homework, but can be done for LA and Universal studios. I understand ART is now servicing Amtrak station/metrolink/greyhound so there is some savings, but taxi should not cost much more.

Off site hotels should be inexpensive compared to what is comparable to LA lodging. Plus, you can spend your nights in DTD. It is summer time, high rates. The area is safe and food ( dining and grocery stores) is easy to access with great surface bus routes.

need a price range and what you will not tolerate in lodging. Is your lodging choice a vacation or strictly for sleeping?

 

[MouseEXP]

Mom(72 & active), neice (12), and I (50) are planning our 1st trip to Disneyland.

We plan to fly into LAX June 13th and then this is where I need help.

Thinking of spending 2 days in LA to go to Universal Studios, maybe do the Warner Bros tour, or anything else someone might recommend. Mom & I have seen the Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame, Farmers Market & Rodeo drive.

Would like to spend 4-5 days in Disneyland/California Adventure & maybe go to Knotts Berry Farm.

I can't decide if we should go straight to Anaheim and stay at an off-site hotel (onsite too pricey for us) and commute? Or should we stay in LA for a couple of days & then go to Anaheim? Is there public transportation or would we need to hire a car. Do not want to rent a car, neither of us are comfortable driving in a strange city and parking seems to be an issue too.

Can anyone recommend hotels at either location? Would like pool, free breakfast, micro/fridge & free wifi.

Mom does have a military ID so if there are any deals anyone is aware of would appreciate help there too.

We planned several trips to WDW and it was a breeze because we stay on property for the duration.

Any and all tips, recommendations, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

I would recommend doing the exact same thing that could be done in Orlando. Stay a few days near Universal/Hollywood and then the second half in Anaheim.

From LAX take a shuttle or hire a town car service to your hotel in Hollywood/Universal. I like the Hilton Universal which is real close to Universal Studios and the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Blvd which is a short subway ride away from Universal.

Universal should only need one day, but you can also check out the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park/Walt's Barn /Disney Carousel, and maybe catch a movie at either the Chinese theater or Disney's El Capitan.

If you need to get somewhere by car, don't forget to use Uber. Uber use is pretty common in Southern California, but they cannot drive or pick you up at LAX.

3 Days is the minimum that you should take to visit the Disneyland Resort and yes Knotts Berry Farm would be a good place to visit. Do not forget to eat at the chicken restaurant at Knotts.

Hope this helps