Been to WDW never to Disneyland

[hollieplus2]

We are planning a trip to WDW this December but I am thinking about changing it to Disneyland.

I don't know where to begin...are their packages, are the reservations just like WDW? Is there a dining plan and what's with the good neighbor hotels. Please help I'm clueless.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Disneyland is very different in many aspects of vacation planning. Staying "off-property" at WDW means traveling quite a distance just to get to a Park. Staying "off-property" at DLR could just mean walking across Harbor Blvd to get to DL. There are 2 parks a few short minutes away from each other, as opposed to 4 parks (and water parks) a short drive from each other.

Your best place to start is with HydroGuy's (a DIS member) Guide to DLR for WDW Vets. He does a great job of helping those familiar with WDW understand how to approach DLR.

Take the time to read through it and then post any questions you may have. People will answer.

- Dreams (a DLR vet who found HydroGuy's Guide to WDW for DLR vets helpful )

 

[Hound 109]

We are planning a trip to WDW this December but I am thinking about changing it to Disneyland.

I don't know where to begin...are their packages, are the reservations just like WDW? Is there a dining plan and what's with the good neighbor hotels. Please help I'm clueless.

I agree that the link for WDW vets (in the post above) is the place to start. (then read the rest of his tip threads).

Regarding visiting in December....it's best to avoid weekends if possible & also the earlier in the month the better. (it will be more crowded after the kids are on vacation).

Also, the time difference is your friend. Use the first couple of days at DLR to get to the park 30 -40 min. before MM or Gen. Adm. opening & enjoy touring & picking up FPs (to use at night) at DL during the relatively less crowded early morning. Plan on a mid day break & enjoying the wonderful parks at night (with all the seasonal lights & stuff).

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[hawky7]

Not really the same kind of packages they have at WDW... But you will LOVE going in December.

Since you've never been then, you'll get to see Haunted Mansion Holiday. They completely redo it for Nightmare before Christmas! It is AWESOME!!!

Dining plan, is not anything the same as WDW. WDW is huge and so many Disney resorts. DL only has 3 hotels, and they are amazing. But it makes for a much smaller group of restaraunts. If you want a character breakfast, head to Goofys Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. Its our favorite, amazing food, and no waits to see a ton of characters.

Let us know what else you are looking for.

 

[azdisneylover]

Have a wonderful time planning a trip to DL. It is amazing walking thru the tunnel and seeing everything knowing that this is what Walt Disney envisioned many, many years ago.