California trip

[dvcdenise]

Can someone tell me tips about going to Disneyland? Planning a trip in spring of 2013. Tips I need, best time, best resort, best restaurants, everything in general. Thanks for any info.

 

[DebbieB]

Can someone tell me tips about going to Disneyland? Planning a trip in spring of 2013. Tips I need, best time, best resort, best restaurants, everything in general. Thanks for any info.

The only DVC resort is Grand California. I've stayed in all 3 DL resorts in regular rooms (GC, Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier). They are all nice but GC is my favorite (and the most expensive). DL doesn't have as many table service restaurants as WDW, we most just eat counter service. I would allow 2 days for each park if you want to see everything at a slow to moderate pace. Last year when I was there with friends, we spent quite a few hours doing the originals in Fantasyland, it was fun! We also did the paddle boat around the river.

 

[zavandor]

The best starting point for any WDW veteran to start planning for DL is this excellent thread by Hydroguy:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

After reading it you'll have most of the information you need. Other interesting threads are stickyed in the DL forum:
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26

About GCV, unfortunately it's hard to book there (it's a very small resort). If you are planning to stay there you should plan to go during a slow period to have some chance to get it.

 

[Brancaneve]

You will love DLR!! It is cozier, smaller and very manageable. You can cross over to DCA within the same day which is something that takes a little longer in WDW. With that being said, it has less restaurants than WDW and less on site hotel choices. Although it is a better experience to stay on site, many regular DLR visitors stay at any of the "Good Neighbor" hotels that are within walking distance. Some of the hotels have a shuttle/trolley that will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the parks if walking doesn't suit you. The walk there is always fine but the walk back is hard!

My favorite places to eat are the quick service restaurants such as the Pacific Wharf cafe in DCA that serves sandwiches on fresh rolls of bread, and bread bowls with soup or salad. I also love Taste Pilot's Grill(yummy burgers) and you must have the chicken skewers in Bengal BBQ's right across from the Indiana Jones attraction. Make sure you get the asparagus wrapped in bacon! However, the Napa Rose in the GCH is an amazing experience! I have also heard that the new Carthay Cirle in the DCA is wonderful too. Have fun!

 

[dvcdenise]

Thanks so much these links are great!