3 day visit to Disneyland in February

[figmentdrmfinder]

Hi All!!

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to DL February 19-February 22 and we're super excited about it!!! We did some research about the resorts on property and it just is out of our budget. So I was wondering if ya'll had any advice on some great "good neighbor" hotels. There seem to be so many around there that I am just totally overwhelmed and don't even know where to start!!!

I have been to Disneyland once before, in 2001...but my boyfriend has never been. so we're really trying to get the most out of our short visit.

We're going to be driving down from San Diego on that thursday..and then flying back to FL on the 22nd....

What are some of the best things to see while we're in the parks? Do you think that we'll be able to get a lot of stuff done in like 2.5 days?

Thank you in advance for all your advice!!!!

 

[skoocher]

My wife and I will be there on those exact same days I have no personal experience with this one, but everyone here on this forum seems to like the HOJO that is very close to the parks (within walking distance).

www.hojoanaheim.com

 

[avalon451]

Hi, Figment, welcome!

You'll be there on a weekend, albeit a weekend in February, so you're likely to hit some crowds.

I would start by reading "Hydroguy's Tips Compilation", a sticky thread at the top of this forum. It has lots of good info about how to get the most out of your visit! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

I'd recommend HoJo's; we stayed there and loved it, but its big attraction is its Entertainment Book rate of $59 standard, $79 deluxe room. So far, only the first night of your stay is listed for that, although your other nights could possibly be added later, depending on how booked they are : http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

I really recommend (like Hydroguy does) staying as close as possible across Harbor, since that makes it sooooo easy to go back to the hotel when you're tired! For close, clean, simple accomodations, BWPPI, Desert Inn, and Park Vue are right at the crosswalk... here's a link to a map with the accomodations links on it:
http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

So that should get you started... Hope that helps!

 

[DivaOstrich]

avalon451,

If you don't mind, which Entertainment Book is for Disneyland area? I went to the the Entertainment Book website and there were four different books when I typed in Disneyland or Anaheim.

My family is going to Disneyland March 16-21 and we really want to stay at the Hojoanaheim as well. Do you know if they have those dates at the discounted rates? Just trying to see if it would be worth the money for the book if the dates aren't even available.

Thank you so much!!!

figmentdrmfinder,

I hope that you're trip to Disneyland is wonderful for you and your boyfriend. I just heard a few weeks back on the podcast Inside The Magic about finding romantic and budget-friendly things for couples to do at Disneyland. It was either episode 184 or 185 I think?? I know it was in the last few weeks. There were some really good ideas!



--Missy

 

[JaneJetson]

We always stay at the Anaheim Plaza. Their rate is typically around $69 a night and you don't need an entertainment book or anything. It's an older hotel but if you're barely in the room it doesn't really matter. We've stayed there twice and will be returning in January.

We'll also be going 2.5 days in the park. I'm sure you can accomplish a lot but it really depends on crowd levels. And be sure to use fastpasses!

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

Our first few trips to Disneyland were budget oriented as well. We loved staying at the Fairfield Inn By Marriot right across the street. It was really easy! The hotel has always been clean, there is a McDonald's right outside the front doors (great for cheap meals) and a lovely homestyle restaurant called Millies that shares the parking lot. We stayed there every trip until we could afford the onsite properties!

Have a fun time with your first-timer!

 

[pixiewings71]

You can use any Ent Book not just the one for Anaheim. We bought our local book and simply show the card when we get to the hotel to check in. So, buy your local book and then use the card for your hotel stay. You can book the HoJo without having the card in hand, just call them directly (NOT the 1-800 number which is central ressies, you want IN HOUSE reservations) and let them know your dates, they will get the Ent Rate if it is available.

If you don't want to stay at HoJo or can't get the Ent Rate then my next recommendation would be the Candy Cane Inn, nice rooms, good breakfast and a FREE shuttle, my next choice is Tropicana for proximity to the parks.
Something to keep in mind, HoJo does not have a free breakfast, for my family that's fine but for some it's not.

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

My wife and I will be there on those exact same days I have no personal experience with this one, but everyone here on this forum seems to like the HOJO that is very close to the parks (within walking distance).

www.hojoanaheim.com

How funny is that?!? I'm glad you're going...but I certainly hope it wont be too popular of a weekend...

I checked out the Hojo website...that seems like a great place!

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

Hi, Figment, welcome!

You'll be there on a weekend, albeit a weekend in February, so you're likely to hit some crowds.

I would start by reading "Hydroguy's Tips Compilation", a sticky thread at the top of this forum. It has lots of good info about how to get the most out of your visit! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

I'd recommend HoJo's; we stayed there and loved it, but its big attraction is its Entertainment Book rate of $59 standard, $79 deluxe room. So far, only the first night of your stay is listed for that, although your other nights could possibly be added later, depending on how booked they are : http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

I really recommend (like Hydroguy does) staying as close as possible across Harbor, since that makes it sooooo easy to go back to the hotel when you're tired! For close, clean, simple accomodations, BWPPI, Desert Inn, and Park Vue are right at the crosswalk... here's a link to a map with the accomodations links on it:
http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

So that should get you started... Hope that helps!

Avalon...thank you so much for all the great advice!! I def. think that'll get me pointed in the right direction...I had no idea how overwhelmed I would feel seeing as how I'm so used to WDW....

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

We always stay at the Anaheim Plaza. Their rate is typically around $69 a night and you don't need an entertainment book or anything. It's an older hotel but if you're barely in the room it doesn't really matter. We've stayed there twice and will be returning in January.

We'll also be going 2.5 days in the park. I'm sure you can accomplish a lot but it really depends on crowd levels. And be sure to use fastpasses!

I'm glad to hear that 2.5 days will end up being enough to get most of it done...I was worried about that....

Compared to what we have here at WDW...what would you say is a MUST SEE?

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

Our first few trips to Disneyland were budget oriented as well. We loved staying at the Fairfield Inn By Marriot right across the street. It was really easy! The hotel has always been clean, there is a McDonald's right outside the front doors (great for cheap meals) and a lovely homestyle restaurant called Millies that shares the parking lot. We stayed there every trip until we could afford the onsite properties!

Have a fun time with your first-timer!

We are so excited about the trip!!! All of a sudden I realzed how NOT far away February is and decided I'd better get my act together....I never even thought about all there is to plan...

I'm absolutely going to look into that Fairfield...

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

You can use any Ent Book not just the one for Anaheim. We bought our local book and simply show the card when we get to the hotel to check in. So, buy your local book and then use the card for your hotel stay. You can book the HoJo without having the card in hand, just call them directly (NOT the 1-800 number which is central ressies, you want IN HOUSE reservations) and let them know your dates, they will get the Ent Rate if it is available.

If you don't want to stay at HoJo or can't get the Ent Rate then my next recommendation would be the Candy Cane Inn, nice rooms, good breakfast and a FREE shuttle, my next choice is Tropicana for proximity to the parks.
Something to keep in mind, HoJo does not have a free breakfast, for my family that's fine but for some it's not.

Alright I'm going on the hunt for an Entertainment book this evening...every little bit helps.

We could stay on property but there's so much else we want to do....and would rather spend it in the parks...

 

[JaneJetson]

I'm glad to hear that 2.5 days will end up being enough to get most of it done...I was worried about that....

Compared to what we have here at WDW...what would you say is a MUST SEE?

Most people say Pirates is better at Disneyland, and I would agree.
Indiana Jones is the same type of ride as Dinosaur. But the theming is great and definitely worth seeing.
The Matterhorn is unique to Disneyland so don't miss it.
Space Mountain is a million times better than the one at WDW.
I think Buzz is better at Disneyland because you can lift the guns up.

I'd try to go on all of the rides that are unique to Disneyland/DCA.

If you like shows and they still have it...you should go to Aladdin over at DCA. Also, the fireworks show is amazing! I've heard Fantasmic is slightly better at Disneyland (but I don't know because we didn't see it at WDW.)

I'm sure there are a million things I could list....so I'll stop now...haha.

 

[pixiewings71]

Alright I'm going on the hunt for an Entertainment book this evening...every little bit helps.

We could stay on property but there's so much else we want to do....and would rather spend it in the parks...

Go to Entertainmentbook.com, that's where I always get mine. I link thru my points so I get credit for it.

 

[bzkds]

I'll be there the weekend after you! Here are my "must do's":

Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road

DCA:
Soarin' Over California
California Screamin'

After we have done those, we hit up the Haunted Mansion and It's A Small World, and at DCA the Orange Stinger and Mulholland Madness. We are usually busy with cheer activities and competition, so we don't always get time to do everything. When we go for a family vacation, we do more of the other rides like Peter Pan, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Dumbo, ToonTown, etc.

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

Most people say Pirates is better at Disneyland, and I would agree.
Indiana Jones is the same type of ride as Dinosaur. But the theming is great and definitely worth seeing.
The Matterhorn is unique to Disneyland so don't miss it.
Space Mountain is a million times better than the one at WDW.
I think Buzz is better at Disneyland because you can lift the guns up.

I'd try to go on all of the rides that are unique to Disneyland/DCA.

If you like shows and they still have it...you should go to Aladdin over at DCA. Also, the fireworks show is amazing! I've heard Fantasmic is slightly better at Disneyland (but I don't know because we didn't see it at WDW.)

I'm sure there are a million things I could list....so I'll stop now...haha.

I kinda remember PoTC and I remember that it was just so much more detailed...I know that Space Mountain has been redone since I've been there so I def. want to check that out...

I can't wait to see the shows...I've seen the Aladdin show on the Travel Channel and it looks AMAZING!! Have you seen it?

Hehehe feel free to list away..I need all the advice I can get!

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

Go to Entertainmentbook.com, that's where I always get mine. I link thru my points so I get credit for it.

Oooh good idea...

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

Go to Entertainmentbook.com, that's where I always get mine. I link thru my points so I get credit for it.

I'll be there the weekend after you! Here are my "must do's":

Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road

DCA:
Soarin' Over California
California Screamin'

After we have done those, we hit up the Haunted Mansion and It's A Small World, and at DCA the Orange Stinger and Mulholland Madness. We are usually busy with cheer activities and competition, so we don't always get time to do everything. When we go for a family vacation, we do more of the other rides like Peter Pan, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Dumbo, ToonTown, etc.

This seems like a really great time to come huh? Any idea on the weather??

There are a lot of things in Fantasy land that I'd like to do...like the Pinnochio ride...is that even still there? I know it's something I miseed when I was there last and I have to go on Mr. Toads since we don't have it anymore...

 

[figmentdrmfinder]

Now how about dining? Are there any places that you would recommend?

 

[JaneJetson]

I kinda remember PoTC and I remember that it was just so much more detailed...I know that Space Mountain has been redone since I've been there so I def. want to check that out...

I can't wait to see the shows...I've seen the Aladdin show on the Travel Channel and it looks AMAZING!! Have you seen it?

Hehehe feel free to list away..I need all the advice I can get!

My DH and I aren't really into shows...but we LOVE Aladdin. It's really great.