Been to WDW numerous times newbie DL questions

[Samandmom]

As the title states we have been to WDW numerous times but are newbies to DL. I have been doing some reading of the boards and have found some good info so far.
We are big fans of staying on property at WDW, but I see that it is not necessary in DL. We are thinking of staying at The Best Western Park Place Inn. We like the location, breakfast included, and are familiar with Best Westerns.
First question, is there any benefit or any perks if we book BW through Disney as a package with tickets? Seems to be a little bit more money.

How many days are needed to explore both parks?

How about Universal and Sea World? 1 day each?

Car rental nearby? Haven't decided if we are renting a car for the whole week or just for the Universal and Sea World days and maybe a day at a beach or something. If we don't rent for the week then what would be our best choice to get to DL from the airport?

Any nearby places that we should eat at? I saw that there's a Carl's Jr and a Jack in the box nearby. We don't have those in CT but have heard of them. Are those within walking distance?

Oh an we are going the week of August 19th. Is it similar to WDW where that summer week begins to slow down a little?

Thanks for any help. I know I will have more questions.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Start reading this thread for some really helpful information: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
Booking separtely by yourself is usually cheaper (by a quite a bit in some cases). If convenience is what matters and price is not an issue, then book through Disney.
We like and recommend at least 5 days to do both parks. That allows for a relaxed pace, compensation for crowds and any weird weather, lets you soak in all the details of Walt's original park, lets you hit all the highlights and repeat all of your favorites, all without stressing about cramming everything in. We have friends who do more days as the budget allows. That allows them to do other sightseeing as well, while doing DLR to their complete satisfaction.
There are several car rental companies near DLR. Check Mousesavers.com for deals (also for deals on tickets) to see whether you would be better off renting from LAX or from Anaheim.
There are many places to eat at near DLR. If you can walk up to a mile or use Uber or a taxi (if you won't be renting a car), you'll have quite a few choices. If you will have a car, the choices open up even more. There are many, many threads on this. You'll find lots of suggestions if you do a search.
Unlike WDW, August is very busy at DLR. Basically, there are no truly slow periods any more. Do some searching on the boards here for great tips on how to organize and get the most out of your park time.
Come on back with more questions! You're going to have a great trip!

 

[agamble]

First question, is there any benefit or any perks if we book BW through Disney as a package with tickets? Seems to be a little bit more money.
No benefit.

How many days are needed to explore both parks?
I would say 3 at DL and 2 at DCA. Others would say 2 at DL and 1 at DCA. So that depends on how long you like to spend.

How about Universal and Sea World? 1 day each?
1 Day is long enough

Any nearby places that we should eat at? I saw that there's a Carl's Jr and a Jack in the box nearby. We don't have those in CT but have heard of them. Are those within walking distance?
Carl's Jr and Jack in the Box are just fast food burger places in case you weren't aware. They are not right by the parks. There is a McDonald's across the entrance.

Oh an we are going the week of August 19th. Is it similar to WDW where that summer week begins to slow down a little?
Check the blockout calendar. As schools start back up the local APs become unblocked which causes extra crowding as all those people haven't been to the parks in a couple months and are eager to get back.

 

[valiamo]

Benefit to booking with Disney
- No benefit, you can usually get discounted 4 or 5 day tickets at some of the re-sellers (Way.com, aRes). Hotels in the area, are mostly very close, and the walking distance from the hotels across the street are about the same as from the DL hotels. Booking direct with the hotel at times can get you a better rate. Get a Best Western rewards card, as you might be able to get some perks..

How many days are needed to explore both parks?
- We usually go for 5 days, 3 in DLR and 2 DCA, but we ALWAYS get park hoppers and jump back and forth. It is not unusual for us to open DLR, spend 2 hours there, get Fast Pass for later, and head over to DCA for lunch, back to DLR for the afternoon, and then back to DCA later in the day. They are so close together it just happens (it is a 5 minute walk between DCA and DLR) one is busy hit the otehr.

How about Universal and Sea World? 1 day each?
- 1 day at either of them is OK. Universal is not as impressive as the one in Orlando. Sea world is a long drive to San Diego

Car rental nearby? Haven't decided if we are renting a car for the whole week or just for the Universal and Sea World days and maybe a day at a beach or something. If we don't rent for the week then what would be our best choice to get to DL from the airport?
- There are rental agencies at the Airport and there is an Alamo in DT Disney. I would recommend that look at taking a tour bus to Universal or Sea World, in the long run it is much easier on your nerves. LA traffic is very, very busy all the time. Also your hotel will charge you $15-$20 a day for parking (no free parking anywhere near Disneyland)

Any nearby places that we should eat at? I saw that there's a Carl's Jr and a Jack in the box nearby. We don't have those in CT but have heard of them. Are those within walking distance?
- Eat in DT Disney, there are a lot of neat places. We love to go to Tortilla Joes for dinner. There are restaurants on Harbour (McDonalds, Capt Kidds, Tony Roma's, IHOP, Bubba Gumps), most will be a longer walk to get to.
- Have a breakfast at the Carnation Cafe (make a reservation) great food, and you might meet Oscar (he has been working there for 60 years).
- Have the fried chicken dinner at the Plaza in, it is a big meal.

Oh an we are going the week of August 19th. Is it similar to WDW where that summer week begins to slow down a little?
- It will be getting quieter, but school starts the end of August, so it will still be some crowds. But, DLR is different that WDW, as the crowds are local vs travelling. There is really no slow time any more. If the Train and Mark Twain are back and running there will be crowds back again.

Have a blast!

 

[Samandmom]

First question, is there any benefit or any perks if we book BW through Disney as a package with tickets? Seems to be a little bit more money.
No benefit.

How many days are needed to explore both parks?
I would say 3 at DL and 2 at DCA. Others would say 2 at DL and 1 at DCA. So that depends on how long you like to spend.

How about Universal and Sea World? 1 day each?
1 Day is long enough

Any nearby places that we should eat at? I saw that there's a Carl's Jr and a Jack in the box nearby. We don't have those in CT but have heard of them. Are those within walking distance?
Carl's Jr and Jack in the Box are just fast food burger places in case you weren't aware. They are not right by the parks. There is a McDonald's across the entrance.

Oh an we are going the week of August 19th. Is it similar to WDW where that summer week begins to slow down a little?
Check the blockout calendar. As schools start back up the local APs become unblocked which causes extra crowding as all those people haven't been to the parks in a couple months and are eager to get back.

Yes thank you I know that Carl's Jrs and Jack in the Box are fast food.

Is Sea World worth it?

As of right now we are planning 8 nights, 9 days but that would give us 7 full days. We are figuring 2 days for travel. Now I'm wondering if I should add another night.

 

[Samandmom]

Benefit to booking with Disney
- No benefit, you can usually get discounted 4 or 5 day tickets at some of the re-sellers (Way.com, aRes). Hotels in the area, are mostly very close, and the walking distance from the hotels across the street are about the same as from the DL hotels. Booking direct with the hotel at times can get you a better rate. Get a Best Western rewards card, as you might be able to get some perks..

How many days are needed to explore both parks?
- We usually go for 5 days, 3 in DLR and 2 DCA, but we ALWAYS get park hoppers and jump back and forth. It is not unusual for us to open DLR, spend 2 hours there, get Fast Pass for later, and head over to DCA for lunch, back to DLR for the afternoon, and then back to DCA later in the day. They are so close together it just happens (it is a 5 minute walk between DCA and DLR) one is busy hit the otehr.

How about Universal and Sea World? 1 day each?
- 1 day at either of them is OK. Universal is not as impressive as the one in Orlando. Sea world is a long drive to San Diego

Car rental nearby? Haven't decided if we are renting a car for the whole week or just for the Universal and Sea World days and maybe a day at a beach or something. If we don't rent for the week then what would be our best choice to get to DL from the airport?
- There are rental agencies at the Airport and there is an Alamo in DT Disney. I would recommend that look at taking a tour bus to Universal or Sea World, in the long run it is much easier on your nerves. LA traffic is very, very busy all the time. Also your hotel will charge you $15-$20 a day for parking (no free parking anywhere near Disneyland)

Any nearby places that we should eat at? I saw that there's a Carl's Jr and a Jack in the box nearby. We don't have those in CT but have heard of them. Are those within walking distance?
- Eat in DT Disney, there are a lot of neat places. We love to go to Tortilla Joes for dinner. There are restaurants on Harbour (McDonalds, Capt Kidds, Tony Roma's, IHOP, Bubba Gumps), most will be a longer walk to get to.
- Have a breakfast at the Carnation Cafe (make a reservation) great food, and you might meet Oscar (he has been working there for 60 years).
- Have the fried chicken dinner at the Plaza in, it is a big meal.

Oh an we are going the week of August 19th. Is it similar to WDW where that summer week begins to slow down a little?
- It will be getting quieter, but school starts the end of August, so it will still be some crowds. But, DLR is different that WDW, as the crowds are local vs travelling. There is really no slow time any more. If the Train and Mark Twain are back and running there will be crowds back again.

Have a blast!

The closeness of the parks is what I'm excited about.

We have been to Universal Orlando in 2010. We get discount tickets through hubby's work. Ok so SW is long drive guess I never thought of that. . Is it worth it?

I would rather not rent a car but DH wants to. We still need to look further into those options.

Yes we have Tortilla Joe's on our to try list and a couple others that you mentioned.
I'm thinking of maybe 1 or 2 character meals. My son is 16 and daughter 14 so they aren't into the characters as much as when they were younger but they would still enjoy. I don't know the names yet but I'm thinking the Ariel meal (am I correct that there's an Ariel character meal?). I'm also thinking Goofy's Kitchen it looks similar to Chef Mickeys and we love CM.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

First visit, 3 days minimum, 5 days would be optimal if you can swing it.

Check out Priceline or Kayak for rental cars. Sometimes you can get a pretty decent rate if you rent for a week, likely to pay parking fees at most hotels though.

So did you see the Wizarding World at Universal in 2010? Universal Hollywood does not have Hogwarts Express or Gringotts like Orlando, but still worth a visit if you have Potter fans, 1 day is enough. We have not done Sea Wold in a decade but I still hear good things, we prefer the San Diego Safari.

There are some pretty decent Mexican food places in Anaheim, way better than Tortilla Joe's. Yelp is generally pretty accurate. Most of the restaurants in DTD are quite good, but we are snobs when it comes to ethnic food, so many authentic choices nearby.

For their ages, I would save the money on a character meals and do Blue Bayou (in POC ride) or Napa Rose, maybe Carthay. Have a great trip.

Check out In-n-Out or Habit Burger for better fast food burger experiences in the area.

 

[azdisneylover]

We like staying on site, (enjoy the early entry/magic morning daily into the parks, purchases sent back to the hotel), but will stay at motels on Harbor Blvd, or even with family (LOL) if it means a trip to Disneyland. I used to be able to get a decent deal from Costco, but it seems their newest package isn't the best. You can book it separately and save quite a bit. Orbitz for the room and LMTClub.com for the tickets, for example. Even the hotel/motel you pick may have better rates booking direct instead of through a third party.
Perhaps instead of going to Sea World, you go to Knotts Berry Farm? It is closer (around 6 miles away in Buena Park) and they have one of the best chicken dinners in CA. The restaurant is outside the park, so you can go just to eat (and shop).
Tortilla Joe's is a nice choice in DTD as well as Naples Restaurante. Plus, any of the restaurants in the 3 Disney Hotels. Really depends on what type of food you are interested in trying. Carl's Jr is a Hardee's. Don't know if you have those in your state. Del Taco is a fast food chain that started in CA. Took them years to get one in AZ. The Macho Nachos are yummy. Much better than Taco Bell any day of the week (in my humble opinion).
Park hoppers for 5 days would be my suggestion. Since you are coming from the east coast, you will be up and ready to go each morning. You can do a lot before noon when you are there when the gates open, (even if you do not have magic morning/early entry).
What ever you decide to do, I hope you have a great time!

 

[Winnowill]

I happen to like Sea World a lot, but, with the Orca shows closing down, perhaps not so much, now.

While there is no FINANCIAL benefit to booking hotel and tickets through Disney, they typically send a couple perks (usually a lanyard and pin per ticket purchased) if you buy the package through them.

 

[agamble]

Yes thank you I know that Carl's Jrs and Jack in the Box are fast food.

Is Sea World worth it?

As of right now we are planning 8 nights, 9 days but that would give us 7 full days. We are figuring 2 days for travel. Now I'm wondering if I should add another night.

I haven't been to Sea World as an adult; someday we'll take the kids. It is far as others have said making for a long day of driving. There are a lot of other things you could do around So CA with older kids. If they love zoos and sea animals then maybe Sea World would be worth it. If they love thrill rides then maybe Knott's Berry Farm as mentioned above or even Six Flags Magic Mountain. Those parks aren't themed as well like Disney parks or USH's Potter area, but they do offer a lot of thrills if that interests your family.

USH is a pretty small park. But I have enjoyed it when I've visited. The size really makes the place feel crowded. My parents went this last October (midweek) and my dad really didn't enjoy himself because it was so busy. I have not been to see the new Harry Potter attractions yet as there just isn't much for our younger two to do. With older kids I would think you would enjoy the park, even if you've already seen Harry Potter in Orlando. Just don't expect it to be large.

 

[Catvondita]

I'll agree with someone who said 3 days at DL and 2 days at DCA. I find DCA doesn't need too much time because for me it only had a handful of rides that interested me. Have fun!

 

[Samandmom]

I haven't been to Sea World as an adult; someday we'll take the kids. It is far as others have said making for a long day of driving. There are a lot of other things you could do around So CA with older kids. If they love zoos and sea animals then maybe Sea World would be worth it. If they love thrill rides then maybe Knott's Berry Farm as mentioned above or even Six Flags Magic Mountain. Those parks aren't themed as well like Disney parks or USH's Potter area, but they do offer a lot of thrills if that interests your family.

USH is a pretty small park. But I have enjoyed it when I've visited. The size really makes the place feel crowded. My parents went this last October (midweek) and my dad really didn't enjoy himself because it was so busy. I have not been to see the new Harry Potter attractions yet as there just isn't much for our younger two to do. With older kids I would think you would enjoy the park, even if you've already seen Harry Potter in Orlando. Just don't expect it to be large.

Six Flags I didn't think of that!! We have a Season passes for our local Six Flags and it includes admission to other SF. I will check into it and make sure that it's included. How far is SF?
SF doesn't compare to Disney or Universal but if close enough to check it out and free with our passes. We have been our local SF in Mass and also to the NY and NJ one.

 

[agamble]

Six Flags I didn't think of that!! We have a Season passes for our local Six Flags and it includes admission to other SF. I will check into it and make sure that it's included. How far is SF?
SF doesn't compare to Disney or Universal but if close enough to check it out and free with our passes. We have been our local SF in Mass and also to the NY and NJ one.

It's an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic. We have been to that Six Flags twice, once before and once after kids. It's a decent park and they have so many coasters. And yeah free is good. That is why we went there last summer. We had passes for our Northern CA Six Flags and were able to use those to go to SF Magic Mountain too.

 

[VandVsmama]

About food -
I second the suggestion mentioned above about In N Out Burger and Hamburger Habit. Both of them are southern California institutions. Don't bother with Carl's Jr or Jack in the Box. My husband and I refer to Jack in the Box as "Jack in the crack." The quality of the food at In N Out and Hamburger Habit is MUCH MUCH better! If you don't have much in the way of good Mexican food in your neck of the woods in CT, then you will really enjoy Tortilla Jo's. Their tortillas are pretty good and taste like they're hand made instead of trucked in from elsewhere.

If you can swing 5 days at Disneyland, then you should definitely do 5 days there.

Benefits of booking your hotel through Disney travel?
None, aside from getting a lanyard and maybe a luggage tag. You can get better discounts and room rates by booking directly with the hotel. If you're a AAA member, Best Western offers AAA discounts.

Universal & Sea World: 1 day for each. Sea World will be ~ 2 hr drive from Anaheim. Time your departure so you're not sitting in the middle of rush hour traffic. And either leave Sea World by 3pm or plan on having dinner somewhere in San Diego before you drive back to Anaheim at the end of the day. Same thing for Universal...don't leave Anaheim during rush hour traffic and don't travel back to Anaheim through LA during rush hour traffic.

Car rental: DTD has an Alamo rental car office. There are other car rental offices for other companies scattered around Disneyland if you just need to rent for a day or 2 and don't want to go back to the airport to pick it up.

 

[VandVsmama]

Oh...if you go to Six Flags Magic Mountain, then you should stop in at Tommy Burgers, which is right next to Magic Mountain. It's an LA chain of fast food hamburger joints. All of the burgers come with chili on them...you have to actually tell them to not put chili on them otherwise they do it by default. My husband loves the place.

 

[Nevada Jen]

Stupid benefit but when it went away I was noticed and didn't like the paper. If you book through Disney you get plastic tickets (like a gift card). Otherwise you get paper tickets. And you have to pull them out over and over to get fastpasses. I definitely noticed that the first time we did not book through Disney. FYI, Carl's Jr. is Hardees.

If you have been to Universal or Sea World in Florida, I don't particularly think its worth in in CA unless you have a Harry Potter fan. 6 Flags at that time of year is an awesome idea. A couple or a few days at a CA beach would also be awesome during your time because local schools are back in session. With the age of your kids, they might really like Venice beach. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get a beach house for a 3 day rental pretty reasonable.

 

[Samandmom]

About food -
I second the suggestion mentioned above about In N Out Burger and Hamburger Habit. Both of them are southern California institutions. Don't bother with Carl's Jr or Jack in the Box. My husband and I refer to Jack in the Box as "Jack in the crack." The quality of the food at In N Out and Hamburger Habit is MUCH MUCH better! If you don't have much in the way of good Mexican food in your neck of the woods in CT, then you will really enjoy Tortilla Jo's. Their tortillas are pretty good and taste like they're hand made instead of trucked in from elsewhere.

If you can swing 5 days at Disneyland, then you should definitely do 5 days there.

Benefits of booking your hotel through Disney travel?
None, aside from getting a lanyard and maybe a luggage tag. You can get better discounts and room rates by booking directly with the hotel. If you're a AAA member, Best Western offers AAA discounts.

Universal & Sea World: 1 day for each. Sea World will be ~ 2 hr drive from Anaheim. Time your departure so you're not sitting in the middle of rush hour traffic. And either leave Sea World by 3pm or plan on having dinner somewhere in San Diego before you drive back to Anaheim at the end of the day. Same thing for Universal...don't leave Anaheim during rush hour traffic and don't travel back to Anaheim through LA during rush hour traffic.

Car rental: DTD has an Alamo rental car office. There are other car rental offices for other companies scattered around Disneyland if you just need to rent for a day or 2 and don't want to go back to the airport to pick it up.

Thanks for reminding about in and out burger!!

 

[Samandmom]

Stupid benefit but when it went away I was noticed and didn't like the paper. If you book through Disney you get plastic tickets (like a gift card). Otherwise you get paper tickets. And you have to pull them out over and over to get fastpasses. I definitely noticed that the first time we did not book through Disney. FYI, Carl's Jr. is Hardees.

If you have been to Universal or Sea World in Florida, I don't particularly think its worth in in CA unless you have a Harry Potter fan. 6 Flags at that time of year is an awesome idea. A couple or a few days at a CA beach would also be awesome during your time because local schools are back in session. With the age of your kids, they might really like Venice beach. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get a beach house for a 3 day rental pretty reasonable.

Getting the plastic credit card type tickets maybe my reason I book through Disney!!

 

[Samandmom]

Anyone know if I book the Best Western with tickets through Disney if it qualifies for the 6 months 0 APR? Is that considered a Disney package??

 

[Spyral]

Yeah, really like the plastic tickets vs the paper They do make nice souvenirs as well. We have shadowboxes with souvenirs from trips to DL, and they display nicely in them.

One big difference between Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando is that it is an actual working movie/tv studio in Hollywood. If that would be of interest, then would recommend going. Can do the regular tour via the tram (will want to do that anyways), but you could opt to do the VIP tour. Check out the DIS Unplugged podcast