9 nts at Disneyland Resort?

[dwdeb]

Hi,

We are torn between 9 nts in WDW (WL or Pol. Res ) or 9 nts at either GC or DLH at the end of August. We visit WDW 1 or 2 times a year. Haven't been to DL as a family.
We spend alot of time enjoying the resort we stay at, and do the parks in very small doses each day. We would rent a car in Cal., probably fly into SNA.

Is it possible to make Disneyland Resort a destination vacation like we do WDW?

Thanks,
Deb

 

[Zoemakes5]

Well, to me, yes and no. Yes, it's possible to make a DL trip a "destination", but I honestly don't think there's quite enough to do AT DLR tp keep the entire family happy/busy for that long. If you're going to do a rental car, and particularly in August, I'd recommend doing a beach trip for a day. Also, the So. California City Pass might be a great idea for you as well, with 3 days at Disney, 1 day at San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park, 1 day at Sea World, 1 day at Knott's Berry Farm, and all need to be done w/in 10 days. The plus is that there's quite a bit to do w/in a quick drive and more to do w/in an hour or two. The downside, it's not at DLR, no water parks, etc. For me, 5 days would be the max that I could do the DLR itself.
Just to add my two cents, I like DL much much much better than the Magic Kingdom at WDW, it's more cozy and has a much better Small World and Fantasyland area. The Matterhorn is there, as well, which you don't get at WDW, and Star Tours and Indiana are in the same park.

 

[LucyKate]

Not worth 9 nights on its own - there's just the two smaller theme parks which take about 3-4 days to do properly.

But you could certainly use Disney as a base to see lots of other sights like Hollywood, Universal studio, Knotts berry farm, the beaches etc.

San Diego is a two hour drive each way to see the Zoo or Seaworld - but you might be better off moving there for a few days if you want to see both.

 

[Amy&Dan]

My family could do 9 nights at the Disneyland Hotel and be happy but we are pretty strange! The most we have done is 7 nights and we were not quite ready to leave yet. However this was before we had done WDW so maybe after 3 of those trips under our belts we might feel differently, but I doubt it! Maybe you could do 5 nights at DLR and then maybe 2-3 nights in San Diego. Then maybe back to LA for one night before your departure. DH and I love San Diego and have been there twice but have never taken the kids, they always opt (fine by us) to stay at Disneyland the whole time. We have friends who preferred the Sea World in San Diego over the Orlando version and the zoo is supposed to be incredible. I have heard some not so great reviews of Hollywood and Knotts. The beaches are definitely worth it but if you are used to going to the beach in Florida beware, the water is cold! But they are spectacular. If you do stay awhile onsite in Disneyland I would recommend the Grand Californian or The Disneyland Hotel over Paradise Pier as they have more dining options and nicer pool areas.

 

[CalGal]

You might find the weather alone reason to try California for a change. No thunderstorms, low humidity. It can get hot midday, but mornings and evenings are almost always quite pleasant.

I agree with the other posters. With 9 nights, you can afford to escape Disney for a few days and visit any number of other nice Southern California locations, especially San Diego.

 

[Amy&Dan]

You might find the weather alone reason to try California for a change. No thunderstorms, low humidity. It can get hot midday, but mornings and evenings are almost always quite pleasant.

I agree with the other posters. With 9 nights, you can afford to escape Disney for a few days and visit any number of other nice Southern California locations, especially San Diego.

I thought about the weather factor after I posted! I think August in So. Cal vs. August in Florida is a big difference! Also with Disneyland spruced up for the 50th and the new fireworks and parade it is a great time to go. We have never considered Disneyland a poor relation to WDW and thereby not being worth a lengthy visit. Good luck to the OP with your decision!

 

[tlovesdis]

Another vote here for San Diego! The zoo and Sea World are such nice places to visit! I would also take a trip to the beach! Have fun!

 

[Judy from Boise]

If you don't necessarily want themeparks for both parts of your vacation, you could also head north to Santa Barbara for a nice beach vacation.

 

[dwdeb]

Thanks to everyone for your replies and great advice!

I just booked our air, so this trip is on We are flying in and out of SNA on United...
Have the GC -theme park view booked for all nights, also considering the DLH. Still pondering...
We are considering starting out at the Hyatt HB for the first 2 or 3 nts. San Diego sounds good,too, but maybe we will save that for another adventure.
Any recommendations for beach resorts in Santa Barbara, Newport Beach or even a better one at HB?
Thanks, Deb

 

[MATTERHORN]

I personally think that will be a great amount of time for you considering you don't stay at the parks from morning to night! Enough time to get in all the rides, plus do favorites a few times, and enjoy meals and the pool! I always feel on shorter trips that I don't want to leave to spend time at the pool, but I would if we were there that long!! Have a great trip!!


Andrea

 

[dwdeb]

Thanks Matterhorn!
now the big dilemma...
DLH or GC? GC would be theme park view and DLH would be downtown disney or pool view. It is just myself, DH and DD10.
Thanks, Deb

 

[Gupsmom]

Thanks Matterhorn!
now the big dilemma...
DLH or GC? GC would be theme park view and DLH would be downtown disney or pool view. It is just myself, DH and DD10.
Thanks, Deb

We're leaving in under 2 weeks and we are splitting our stay between DLH and GC. We couldn't decide either and, since California isn't someplace we can go every year, we decided that we really wanted to experience both resorts. We're starting with 4 nights at DLH and then 2 nights conceirge at GC.

Jess

 

[MATTERHORN]

I have stayed at all three hotels in the past, and December 2004 we stayed at Grand Californian and there is no looking back for us! You absolutely cannot beat the location!!! We had DTD views, so I can't comment on Theme park, although I am dying to try it!

Now let me say that DLH may be easier for you since you have no stroller to contend with. FOr us, having to fold up the double stroller, carry all the stuff inside it, and handle a toddler and baby is too much, so we don't get to make use of the monorail. At the end of the day, it is a long walk for us back to the DLH. Plus we love Whitewater Snacks in the Grand, as well as the Storytellers breakfast, while we aren't fond of the restaurants at the DLH as much.

As far as the pools, everyone with little kids always chooses the DLH as the best pool, but we don't feel that way. Yes it has a small pirate ship sitting by the slide, but other than that, there's really nothing special about it to warrant staying there just for the pool. Also everyone likes the Tinkerbell wallpaper, well we get back to the room so late, that the kids are already asleep or falling asleep, so we have never had the main lights on long enough to charge it!! Stayed there 4 times already and have yet to see the Pixie Dust glow on the darn wall border,

The kids love to hang out in the rocking chairs downstairs, and I know that anyone can enjoy the lobby regardless of where you stay, but I do enough walking when I am there, it's nice to just already be there!

I know this doesn't pertain to you, but we were there at Christmas and the decorations at the Grand put the DLH decoration to shame. We went over to check them out and there was a tiny little tree in the lobby and not much else that we saw, maybe a few wreaths! Not a big deal, but it still was nice to come back to the Grand every night!

Well I hope I haven't made you more confused. I know the price difference for us hooked us into the DLH a few times before, and every time during our long walk back (even though it's through the great atmosphere of DTD, it's still long at the end of the 3rd, 4th day, etc..) I would look up and really wish we had spent a little more to stay at the Grand. I hope you have a great time, let me know what you decide!!!


Andrea

 

[Tink33]

I loved the Hyatt in Huntington Beach. It had the most comfortable beds and there is nothing like a sunset from your balcony. My DD loved the underwater speakers at the pool and I loved that the cold drinks served in your chaise lounge.

 

[dwdeb]

Thanks Everyone!
My DH really wants a couple days at a beach, so right now it looks like 2 nts at the Hyatt HB, followed by 7 nts at DL. Still can't decide on the resort, though... We spend alot of time at whatever resort we stay at so atmosphere is very important. I know that both are good choices..

Deb

 

[ibouncetoo]

. Still can't decide on the resort, though... We spend alot of time at whatever resort we stay at so atmosphere is very important. I know that both are good choices..

Deb

Then I'll decide for you! The Grand Californian
There, wasn't that easy?

I've had the theme park view and it's WONDERFUL. I also love riding Grizzley River 5 times in a row, then walk around the corner, soaking wet, to the GC pool (having cleverly put my suit on under my clothes) and go for a swim....then right upstairs to the room for shower (and nap, if applicable).

 

[tlovesdis]

Thanks Everyone!
My DH really wants a couple days at a beach, so right now it looks like 2 nts at the Hyatt HB, followed by 7 nts at DL. Still can't decide on the resort, though... We spend alot of time at whatever resort we stay at so atmosphere is very important. I know that both are good choices..

Deb

If you spend a lot of time at the resort and atmosphere is what you want, then I would go for the Grand Californian! The pool area is big (2 big pools, a kiddie pool, and large hot tub). The lobby is also very warm and relaxing and you can sit by the giant fireplace and have a drink and relax!

 

[ibouncetoo]

and relaxing and you can sit by the giant fireplace and have a drink and relax!

AND they make the BEST chocolate martinis!

 

[dwdeb]

Sounds wonderful...
We will do the GC, (the package is on hold 'til 5 pm PT tonight)...
I found that the 7 nt package is 343 cheaper than booking the room seperately and buying passes...even w/a AAA discount.
Anyway, thanks again to everyone!
Deb

 

[Amy&Dan]

That sounds like great news. I think your decision to do the GC was a good one. We absolutely love the Disneyland Hotel (really want to try GC however) but it seems like most people who are used to the Deluxe's at WDW prefer the GC over the DLH. Since it was built by Disney it has that over the top "Wow" factor that you are used to. The DLH is wonderful but since it was taken over by and not built by Disney it doesn't have quite as much theming in the lobby and public areas that GC does. You will certainly love that location. If you go to Goofy's Kitchen (which I highly recommend, its our favorite characater meal at DL or WDW) you will have the opportunity to explore the pretty grounds, waterfalls and koi ponds at the DLH. Have fun with your planning and be sure to let us know how fun your trip was!