Anyone been to DLC?

[Kirsteen]

Hello,

We are thinking of going to California for our next trip. Has anyone been and could you tell me who you booked with, were you stayed and anything else that comes to mind?? I have no idea where to start and have been looking in the DLC section for hints and tips but wondered what you guys thought.

Many thanks,
Kirsteenxxx

 

[wayneg]

Hi Kirsteen
We have been twice, last 2 October half terms.
Both times stayed at Howard Johnson opposite Disney, 5-10mins there on a morning 15 mins back on a night with tired legs Paid about £30-35night free internet inroom, great value and Mimi's cafe next door for great food.
Its nothing like Florida with nice roads and everything close together. Over there traffic is horrendous if you hit wrong times, to get to Universal took us 45 mins early morning but 2 hours early eve to get back.
Seaworld is about 1 hour 30 mins away same as San Diego Zoo. This last time we had a great day on Hollywood Blvd, Kodak Theatre, Disney Soda store, El Capitan theatre etc.
Booked everything myself, flights with AA about £400 each, hotel with Hotelopia or Alpharooms.
Let me know if you want any help with anything.
Wayne

 

[Kirsteen]

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for all the info - that's great to know. I have a few other questions... Which airport did you fly into? Did you hire a car for your trip? If so, did you collect it from the airport?



K

 

[wayneg]

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for all the info - that's great to know. I have a few other questions... Which airport did you fly into? Did you hire a car for your trip? If so, did you collect it from the airport?



K

Both times we flew into LAX but I have friends that live in US that use John Wayne Airport, its smaller and nearer.
Both times used Dollar, I really like Dollar at MCO but they are slow(even with express) and ignorant at LAX, probably depend on the staff on duty. They are also offsite, 10 mins on shuttle to get there. Sorry no experience with any other rental co's.
I have never needed satnav in Orlando but it was a big help in Cali, they have a lot of roads over there. I took my pda and bought tomtom maps, worked great.

 

[AnnaTink]

Hi,

We went to California in Sept 2005 and loved it so much we went back last September

Both times we flew with Virgin to LAX and hired a car through Dollar.

In 2005 we stayed offsite in Embassy Suites which were about a 10 - 15 minute drive from Disneyland itself (with 3 adults going it was a cheaper option). Last Sept we stayed in the Disneyland Hotel and loved it!

It is totally different to Orlando, the two parks are opposite each other and when you are in the Disneyland resort everything is walkable - the hotels, Downtown Disney and the 2 parks.

Last time round we stayed for 3 nights in LA and did Rodeo Drive, went to Santa Monica etc as the traffic is a nightmare and we found it was better to do those kind of attractions while in the vicinity. However there are bus tours etc which will pick you up from the hotels around Disneyland and take you to Hollywood etc.

Personally I love Disneyland, it is my favourite park, to me it is 'Walt's Park' and as such has a special feel to it - I know that isn't everyone's opinion though!!

The Disneyland board on here is great for advice - I highly recommend it!

If not if I can help let me know (It's my favourite subject lol).

 

[pampat]

We also love DC and have used LAX but much prefer John Wayne Santa Ana airport. If you don't feel like driving the first night when you arrive, it is close enough to catch a cab without it being prohibitely expensive, then collect a car locally next day.

We stay on site at the DL hotel, with DVC points. However, we have stayed at several other hotels round the area. Try and get out and see some of the area: our favourites are Newport Beach, Balboa Island and Dana Point.

Pam

 

[Minniespal]

We've been once and going again this May. Last trip we flew into LAX this trip we will already be in the USA and are flying into John Wayne Airport. We've also stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel both times. Hire car through Alamo.

I would agree with Anna Tink about the Disneyland Board here on the Dis. Lots of info to be found.

 

[Kirsteen]

Both times we flew into LAX but I have friends that live in US that use John Wayne Airport, its smaller and nearer.
Both times used Dollar, I really like Dollar at MCO but they are slow(even with express) and ignorant at LAX, probably depend on the staff on duty. They are also offsite, 10 mins on shuttle to get there. Sorry no experience with any other rental co's.
I have never needed satnav in Orlando but it was a big help in Cali, they have a lot of roads over there. I took my pda and bought tomtom maps, worked great.

Thanks Wayne, we've only ever used Dollar too so would probably book with them again. We had Sat Nav in Orlando so would def need it in Cali Thanks

 

[Kirsteen]

AnnaTink - thanks for all the info. I think I'll feel the same re. 'it's Walts Park' I'd love to see it. I think we'll probably still prefer Orlando just for proximity etc but I'd love to see it all just once It's good to know that the Disney parks are so close to each other - it will be weird being able to walk between the two!

pampat - thanks I'll take a note of those other areas.

Minniespal - thanks Minniespal I'll def have another mooch around the DLC board.

What was the weather like on your holidays? Can it be compared to Orlando rain/humidity wise? Kxx

 

[Kirsteen]

Hi Kirsteen
We have been twice, last 2 October half terms.
Both times stayed at Howard Johnson opposite Disney, 5-10mins there on a morning 15 mins back on a night with tired legs Paid about £30-35night free internet inroom, great value and Mimi's cafe next door for great food.
Its nothing like Florida with nice roads and everything close together. Over there traffic is horrendous if you hit wrong times, to get to Universal took us 45 mins early morning but 2 hours early eve to get back.
Seaworld is about 1 hour 30 mins away same as San Diego Zoo. This last time we had a great day on Hollywood Blvd, Kodak Theatre, Disney Soda store, El Capitan theatre etc.
Booked everything myself, flights with AA about £400 each, hotel with Hotelopia or Alpharooms.
Let me know if you want any help with anything.
Wayne

Wayne - do you have a website for who you booked your flights with? thanks Kx

 

[wayneg]

I booked the last ones Direct with AA.com
A good general search engine is http://www.travelsupermarket.com than if you find something try direct with the airline.
BMI have a sale on just now with reasonable fares but don't know if they cover your route.

 

[AnnaTink]

AnnaTink - thanks for all the info. I think I'll feel the same re. 'it's Walts Park' I'd love to see it. I think we'll probably still prefer Orlando just for proximity etc but I'd love to see it all just once It's good to know that the Disney parks are so close to each other - it will be weird being able to walk between the two!

What was the weather like on your holidays? Can it be compared to Orlando rain/humidity wise? Kxx

There are good points and bad points to both - I didn't go to Disneyland expecting to love it as much as I did!

The weather was beautiful in September, I think the averages are high 70's but it was high 80's most of the time, clear blue sky, not even a thought of rain - and no humidity, the climate is much drier in California...

......sorry as I said my favourite subject, I tend to waffle

 

[Chilly]

I went April/May 2005 and flew into LAX with United Airlines which I booked direct with them on their website and it was about £300 each. The weather at that time of year was really nice, sunny but not too hot.

We stayed at PARKSIDE INN & SUITES MAINGATE, it was right by Disney and very cheap I think we paid about £20 a night and got a free breakfast, it was nothing fancy but it was clean and the room was pretty big. I would stay there again.

 

[wideeyes]

we are going this year in september, we flying from New York to LAX as we are staying in New York before we head to LA, we are staying at Shearton in Anaheim and plan to do universal studio and LA as coach tours as we are not drivers. Not many flights go direct to LA from the Uk so it is worth looking at a multi centre holiday if you are keen on seeing other parts of the USA, this is what we are doing USA airlines are probably the best bet as some give free stop overs. Virgin Holidays are very expensive for custom holidays.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Been twice before, last time in 2005 stayed at Grand Californian hotel, next time this year 2008, I will stay in Disneyland resort, both nice and central, they are booked through DREAMS UNLIMITED, a sponsor here.

I booked my own flights this time with BA, last time I went Virgin.

I prefer the weather at DLC, and the crowds are a bit better than WDW, some rides are new. there 1s less parks though, less places to eat.

 

[disneyholic family]

Last time we were at DLC was 3 years ago.

We stayed at the Grand Californian, which was nice, but i like the Disneyland Hotel better for some reason.

But the location of the Grand Californian is unbeatable.

if you're only planning on visiting DCL, then you can get away without renting a car (take the airport shuttle in both directions).
But if you're planning on visiting other places in southern california, then a car is helpful (though the roads may well totally freak you out and as everyone has noted, the traffic is a disaster)..

i prefer to stay in the area we're visiting...so for DLC, we stay at DLC...

for the beverly hills area, we stay in beverly hills..

for things in san diego, we stay in san diego, etc.

i can't stand wasting tons of time caught in endless traffic....

 

[Kirsteen]

Thanks guys.

Can anyone recommend a good guide book? Also what is the weather like end of May start of June?

Many thanks for all your help.

I found some very reasonable prices from travelzoo.com on flights from GLA - LHR - LAX for £1099 from cheaptickets.com and £1104 from BA direct for two adults - does this sound good to you?

What other places did you visit apart from DLC and US? Has anyone been to Knotts Berry Farm or the Movieland Wax Museum?

Cheers,
Kxx

 

[wayneg]

Whats the exact dates you looking for?
just done a general search, from £470 ish but depends on dates.

 

[Kirsteen]

Hi Wayne, that was 25 May 08 - 8 June 08. I'm also looking at 13 June 08 to 27 June 08 but anytime inbetween is good too. Thanks for having a look for me. I've just had a 'moment' looking at the WDW Community photos - maybe we should go back to Orlando instead?!?

 

[Chilly]

I was just there for 6 nights, did two days at Disney, one day as US, one day was a tour/shopping and the 5th day we attempted to go to Long Beach on the bus but ended up no where near the beach.

Are you planning on staying for 2 weeks? All in LA or will you venture further, San Francisco is lovely and internal flights when booked with your flight from the UK are really cheap.