Big Questions about 1st DLR trip 12/22-12/27

[mpalmieri1203]

So, we've decided to do Christmas in California. I've been to California many times before so I'm familiar with the lay of the land. I have never been to Disneyland though.

It will be myself, my wife, and 1 year old daughter.

For 12/24 and 12/25 where could we go for dinner?

Do they have ADRs similar to WDW and when do they open up?

We are staying at the Paradise Pier. Is this good or should we upgrade to the GC? Will it be too cold for the pools?

Is there enough to walk to in the area or should I grab a car? I'm kind of burnt out on much of the LA area.

Thanks for any pointers and feedback. I'm quite familiar with the game at WDW but know next to nothing about DLR.

 

[skiingfast]

For 12/24 and 12/25 where could we go for dinner?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2612827

Do they have ADRs similar to WDW and when do they open up?

They have reservations by phone or email, first available two months before the date or dining.

We are staying at the Paradise Pier. Is this good or should we upgrade to the GC? Will it be too cold for the pools?

GCH is like a sprawling WDW resort, and as a lodge style hotel may be more fitting for the season. It may be cold, but the pools are heated.

Is there enough to walk to in the area or should I grab a car? I'm kind of burnt out on much of the LA area.

You can walk downtown Disney, and over to Garden Walk, a mall. What else do you need to walk for?


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

 

[mpalmieri1203]

That las link is great! Thanks so much!

 

[Sherry E]

I'll chime in on the PPH (Paradise Pier) in December.

I've made many holiday sojourns to DLR (hence, the Christmas Time Superthread to which skiingfast posted the link above - thank you, skiingfast!) and stayed at all 3 of the DLR hotels (but have not stayed at the DLH since it was remodeled). I've stayed at the PPH most recently. My last GCH stay was in 12/07.

If you can afford to upgrade to the GCH and it won't break the bank, I'd say do it. The reason I say this is because this is the hotel - out of all 3 of them - that seems to really absorb and best lend itself to the holiday spirit and mood.

Now, don't get me wrong - if you stay at the PPH or anywhere else, you can still visit the GCH lobby and enjoy the festive atmosphere for free (carolers, Santa by the tree with PhotoPass people), guitarist and pianist playing holiday tunes, people relaxing and chatting with each other on comfortable chairs and sofas, beverages in hand, fireplace, etc.). But, there is something extra nice about actually staying at the GCH during that time of year. Plus, the location is amazing.

If you stick with the PPH, it will still be good. Truthfully, if you or anyone in your family is a fan of beautiful Christmas trees, the PPH tree will be a treat. It is absolutely gorgeous, glowing in blue-green lights. It is very striking. The GCH tree is also wonderful, and it totally fits the theme of the GCH.

The PPH is a cute hotel - the rooms are more spacious than the GCH rooms. There is a cute surf/sun/beach theme throughout. There is a restaurant and a snack bar downstairs.

But the GCH is much more of a resort, and is much larger.

People have asked many times in the Superthread about dining on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. Some of the in-park restaurants have special menu items just for the holiday. Napa Rose in the GCH is a fine dining establishment. People also love Steakhouse 55 at the DLH. Storytellers is nice.

ETA: If you can manage it, schedule in some time to be in Disneyland on Christmas Eve before the park closes so you can see the "Christmas Eve Good Night." The characters - some of whom are in their pajamas - come out in Town Square, at the train station, to wave goodbye/goodnight and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I've never gotten to see it but I hear it's very cute.