1st visit to Disneyland

[diberry]

I'm thinking about visiting DLP rather than WDW next summer (from UK) but don't know anything about it. Could someone tell me please:
How long would you need to cover both parks at your leisure?
Is it worth staying at a Disney hotel?
Are Universal Studios and Seaworld within travelling distance or would you need to stay near them?
Have any Brits got experience of visiting DLP? - best airlines etc
What other "must-sees" are there in the area?
I'd be really grateful for some help please - all the UK websites seem to concentrate on WDW. Thanks.

 

[maxie]

Well this trip wil be my first to DL in 20 years but I can tell you what I have found out researching my own trip. The seasoned veterans and So Cal residents can give you much more info.

1.) Time to cover 2 parks - 3-4 days at least. Especially off season when they close earlier.

2.) Staying on site - not the same as WDW. You don't NEED to stay at the 3 DL resorts to get the same benefits. There are what are called "Good Neighbor hotels" that are not Disney run but are included in Disney packages. They vary from value to luxury. All 3 of the Disney resorts are moderate to deluxe in cost. Some of the "off-site" hotels are actually closer to the parks than the DL hotels. We are not staying at a DL hotel but a Good Neighbor one and are booking a package and therefore getting EE.

3.) Universal Studios is close by. There is a shuttle ($5/person?) to get there. SeaWorld is in San Diego so about a 90 minute drive depending on traffic. Might be worth renting a car to drive to SeaWorld. Perhaps spend a few days there doing the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. There are tours where you can take a day bus trip to SeaWorld if you don't want to rent a car.

4.) Must sees - Knott's Berry Farm, San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. Queen Mary, Hollywood, you can attend the tapings of some television shows, take a trolley ride tour of Movie Stars homes

 

[diberry]

Thank you so much Maxie, especially for the info about hotels as the Disney ones seem pretty expensive. All very helpful tips - thanks!

 

[ralfrick]

There are several hotels on Harbor Blvd. right by the Main Gate; at least 6-8 of them are only a 10 minute walk from the front gate. I would've loved having a balcony at the Grand Californian our last visit in Nov., but it's hard to justify, impossible for me, when you can get 3 nights in a 2 room suite at the Desert Inn and Suites for what one night with a DCA view would've cost.

Another option in the area is Catalina Island. Finally went there on a day trip a few weeks ago for snorkeling and diving, and will absolutely return and stay longer some day.

 

[LeftCoaster]

Other great places to see in the southland would be The Getty Museum in L.A., & The Walt disney Concert Hall. You also have some great art festivals going on in Laguna Beach during the summer. Check out www.foapom.com. This is an amazing show where they recreate the great works of art on stage using real people.
You've got great beaches in Southern California. There's always something to see or do here.


With the non Disney hotels on Harbor Blvd., just make sure to do your research on the hotels. There are many good ones but, there are also some stinkers too.

 

[diberry]

Thanks everyone!!