All Suggestions Needed

[bayleebugs_mom]

I haven't been to DL since I was a kid and after several trips to DW we have decided we have to come out to California to see where it all started....problem is we have no idea where to start!! I don't know how dining works out there, how long is a good length for a trip, what else to do besides Disney, where to stay, how to get around....basically I am clueless!! Please help!!!

 

[Judy from Boise]

The best thing to do is read every word in the "newbie info" stickie. It even has layers ! Focus on hydro guys rules, and the lodging maps etc.

 

[HydroGuy]

The best thing to do is read every word in the "newbie info" stickie. It even has layers ! Focus on hydro guys rules, and the lodging maps etc.

Here is a good one to start with - and just updated a few days ago!

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[AmyPond]

I haven't been to DL since I was a kid and after several trips to DW we have decided we have to come out to California to see where it all started....problem is we have no idea where to start!! I don't know how dining works out there, how long is a good length for a trip, what else to do besides Disney, where to stay, how to get around....basically I am clueless!! Please help!!!

Dining is not even close to dining at WDW. There aren't dining plans and most people find it's best to just pay out of pocket for meals.

Personally, I think the 3-day park hoppers are the minimum of time to allow in the parks. But it can vary depending on the time of year you go. Sometimes two days can be enough and other times you maybe need 4-5 days (especially if, like us, you like to go on your favorite rides a few times.)

There are TONS of things to do in Southern California. Other theme parks, San Diego Zoo, Hollywood, beaches, etc. The list is quite long so it depends on how much time you have and what types of things you're interested in.

There are only three on-site hotels that tend to be a bit pricey. Disneyland doesn't have an on-site hotels that would be equal to a WDW value resort. However, there are a lot of off-site hotels within walking distance to the park. Some are actually even close to the gates then the Disneyland Hotel, I think. The prices of off-site places really vary.

As far as getting around, I can't really help you out there. We've always had a car (either from home or rented.)

If you're flying in, I recommend John Wayne Airport (Santa Ana, SNA.) It's a small airport and it's really close by.

 

[Amommy21]

The thing about DL is that you can basicallly show up, get right to the park on time and just startin wandering, riding rides and have a great time. Lots of us spend time planning our days out to the minute, etc. Totally not necessary. You really can just show up, grab a map and tme schedule of that days events and go from there.

That said, at the minimum I would find out park times each days and what type of advantages you might have with your package like early entries, etc. make a couple dining reservations. We never miss Blue Bayou and Story Tellers and even if you make a perfect plan, be prepared to change it! IT's DL, anything goes, don't stress!

 

[Tommy_B]

There is a lot more Disney to do in Orlando, but a lot more to do in general in Southern Cal, than the Orlando area.

I would say three days at the Disney parks and then more days to visit areas like Beverly Hills/L.A., the Orange County beaches and beach cities and maybe some part of San Diego. There are even wine countries to see. It just depends on how much time you want to take and what your interests are.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I agree with all the above!!

3 days is plenty to get to see pretty much everything at Disneyland & California Adventure.....but we like a few extra days so we can go back & repeat all the favorite things. This way, we're not rushed either!

We've always drove from Oregon, so we have our own vehicle....but we did one day exploring the Hollywood area & found that to be lots of fun!! You could do the beach, the San Diego area, etc.....all sorts of day trips available. You could look into purchasing the City Pass which includes Disneyland, San Diego & I believe Universal Studios......just a thought.

The Dining plan here is the worse! You get vouchers for dollar amounts that you use to pay....problem with these......you don't get change back....so if you spend 8.25 for a meal & use your $10 voucher....you've lost money. You gain nothing by using Disneyland's plan. If you're wanting to "prepay" meals....I'd suggest getting a Disney gift card & loading money on it up to the trip. Then use that card just for the meals.

Disneyland has 3 beautiful resorts, but they are on the spendy side. Across from the entrance to Disneyland is a ton of motels......most of them are pretty nice & you'll save lots of money. The question would be......how much time are you spending in your room & what kind of extras are you looking for. If you're like us & plan on sleeping & bathing at the motel.....I'd save your money & look at the motels on Harbor Blvd. If you want concierge services, spas, babysitting, etc....then you might want to book at one of the resorts.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[bayleebugs_mom]

You guys are the best!!! I knew I would get great advice on here.....We are planning on being at Disney for about four days and then doing the other stuff in the area as well. After hearing from you guys the dining option is out, no need for it at this point. We will just do out of pocket. As for staying we don't nap during the day and tend to go all day so we can stay off site for sure especially if that means more spending money for other things. Any suggestions for a good clean place to stay????

 

[skiingfast]

As for staying we don't nap during the day and tend to go all day so we can stay off site for sure especially if that means more spending money for other things. Any suggestions for a good clean place to stay????

What are you looking for in a hotel? There are about 25 to choose from that you can walk to the parks from. Some are old but almost all are kept clean.

 

[DizNee Luver]

We've stayed at the Desert Inn & Suites....nothing fancy here.

Tropicana Inn was themed tropical & we found this to be a nice quiet motel.

HoJo (Howard Johnson) is our favorite!!! Very comfy beds & great experience this last trip!!

 

[Disneyland Veteran]

We stay at Anaheim Plaza Inn, It's around $60 and up and it's pretty clean. HoJo's is well recomended, I've never stayed there but I've never heard a bad thing about it.

Something we like to always fit in to one of our nights there is an Angels baseball game. Those are always fun and cheap. And it's not far from the park. Hope you guys have a good time!!!

 

[kiwitravel]

If you are a family then you might like the convenience and size of where we were last week... Americas Best Value Inn and Suites 425 Katella Ave were the best value for our stay at $79 per night for a one bedroom suite, the main room was huge, there was a microwave and fridge and a nice pool and jacuzzi, free parking, wifi and breakfast.... We were still in peak season so you may get it for less. It is a 10 minute walk to the Harbor resort entrance...

 

[DizNee Luver]

If you are a family then you might like the convenience and size of where we were last week... Americas Best Value Inn and Suites 425 Katella Ave were the best value for our stay at $79 per night for a one bedroom suite, the main room was huge, there was a microwave and fridge and a nice pool and jacuzzi, free parking, wifi and breakfast.... We were still in peak season so you may get it for less. It is a 10 minute walk to the Harbor resort entrance...

Just avoid the America's Best Value Inn-Astoria Inn on Ball St.......it was the most disgusting, filthy place we've ever been in!! Our twins (who were crawling, ended up with black feet & knees within 10 mins of being in our room).....EWWWWWWWW

 

[kiwitravel]

Just avoid the America's Best Value Inn-Astoria Inn on Ball St.......it was the most disgusting, filthy place we've ever been in!! Our twins (who were crawling, ended up with black feet & knees within 10 mins of being in our room).....EWWWWWWWW

Good to know... I don't think they have the one bedroom suites either...

 

[Huff]

If its just two of you then use Priceline to get a hotel. We went to Disneyland 12 times last year and used Priceline each time. Stayed at the Hilton, Doubletree Inn, Marriot, Crowne Plaza and other 3-4* hotels. Never paid more than $65 a night, most times were less.

Offsite hotels either have their own shuttle or use the Anaheim Transit shuttle buses which are very inexpensive. If you have your own car you can easily drive. Many hotels are within walking distance but most are 2-2 1/2 star and generally not available through priceline bids.

Dining is vastly different than WDW. While there are some excellent restaurants on property there isn't the selection like WDW. The only table service restaurants in either park are character dining but are good.

For lunches and dinners eat in Downtown Disney. Better food at better prices than in the parks. Unlike WDW, the two parks, Disney hotels and Downtown Disney are all a very short walk between. Grand Californian hotel has its own enterance gate. Use that and cut through the hotel to get to/from Downtown Disney.

Because of proximety park hopping is totally different. You will be able to walk back and forth between the parks in less than 5 minutes. Get FP's at one park, go to the other and return to use your FP's later. You can have FP's from both parks at the same time.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

I always suggested checking the travel section at the library to see which Disneyland/SoCal guidebooks they carry. If they are not current, at least check them out and see which one you prefer before picking up a new edition from the bookstore.