A Few Questions

[PigSoldier]

Hi there!

This is my first visit to this board, how exciting!

I'm tentatively planning a trip to Disneyland in about a years time. Looking at hotels, I really like the look of the Sheraton Anaheim, it looks like a very pretty hotel, and is within our price range. Does anyone have any experiences to share of staying there?

The trouble with this is that neither me or my companion can drive. We're hoping to spend about a week there, dividing time between Disney and the rest of Los Angeles. I haven't found any information about travelling between the two. Are there any options available apart from hiring a car?

And lastly, how much time would you recommend to spend in Disneyland itself? This is probably the only time we'll get to see the park, and we're very keen to see every little detail!

Thanks in advance for your help, and hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of me!

 

[jlmarr]

I'd say that the Sheraton wouldn't be a good choice for you since you don't drive and it's not really a close walk to the heart of the resort area. I'm sure they provide a shuttle to DL and you could walk from there, but it kind of inhibits your mobility. I'd suggest a hotel on Harbor Blvd or Katella. A lot of people on this board recommend the Candy Cane Inn, but being a local I've never stayed at any of the Anaheim hotels.

Downtown LA is about 35 miles away, and the points of interest are pretty spread out. I guess you'd need to decide what you wanted to see, and go from there. I've never used them, but via Google found this link to Gray Line tours, which might be useful for you:

http://www.etix.com/travel/servlet/onlineSale?action=viewTours&franchise_id=84

As for time to tour Disneyland - I'd give it 3 days if you want to experience every detail of DL and the companion park Disney's California Adventure (DCA).

 

[Goofydiane]

I would suggest taking the 'Walk in Walt's Footsteps' tour. This would give you some behind the scene information as well as history of the Disneyland that you won't get by just visiting.

I'd also suggest going on all the attractions, so you can experience them for yourselves and decide which one's you want to do twice...or even more than twice.

I personally like eating at Blue Bayou, however, do some research and look at the restaurants in both DCA, DL and the Downtown area and choose the restaurants you want to eat in.

I don't want to assume you have mobility issues, or just don't know how to drive. There is a thread on the board regarding Good Neighbor Hotels, many which are within walking distance, or utilize the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system. My personal favorite is the Anaheim Hilton at the corner of Katella and Harbor.

Enjoy your trip!

Diane

 

[kimkatmom]

We have stayed at the Sheraton Anaheim many times. You can walk to the park - it takes about 15 minutes and there is a small incline.

It's a great hotel and their bus shuttle system is probably one of the best. It would be a very good choice and if you watch SPG.com, you could some up with some great deals. We just returned from 5 days in DL and we paid $75 a night. Had a very nice room. The people there are really great.

DO NOT MISS the Blue Bayou. You must make reservations first thing in the morning. They used to take walk ins, but two weeks ago, they told us they were only taking reservations.

We have never been on a Gray Line tour in LA, but we have been on Gray Line tours in other parts of the US. They are very reputable and tell you all kinds of good stuff about where you are. I wouldn't hesitate booking a tour through them. LA, just like every where else, has rip offs when it comes to tours, so be careful. You don't want to pay for something you won't get.

One thing you might want to see is some of the theatre in Hollywood, specifically the Pantages Theatre. Call the conceirge at the hotel you are staying at to get some referrals for a driver to take you into the Theatre. It is not, however, going to be cheap!

The most important thing, is stay in close contact with this board and ask a lot of questions. You would be amazed at how much knowledge is out there.

You will have a wonderful time.