Changes in our Disneyland trip

[disneyfan67]

My family and I were going to stay at the DLH 5/1 to 5/3 and finish the stay at the hojo for 2 more days. I got to thinking about it and changed my stay to 6/4 to 6/8 at DLH and 2 days at the Hojo. I didn't feel it was right to take the kids out of school for another week right after spring break. Also I wanted to make sure that all of the tarps and freshening up would be done. How crowded do you think it's going to be? I figured spending 4 days at the parks would be enough and two days checking out the area around Anaheim. I have never been to SoCal and I'm wondering if that's a good plan. The DLH operator told me that Space Moutain should be open by that time. Do you think that's true. I wanted to be there for the 50th and want to make sure I'm not going to see tarp city as some have called it on this board. I can't wait to go and I figured if the parks are crowded at least I have 4 days to check them out. Do you think I should rent a car or use the tour buses to check out the beaches, zoo's, etc. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[LuvTigger]

I think it's a good idea to push back the trip a month...I would be afraid of the massive crowds the first of May (although some people like that!). I can't help you with the CA school schedule though, the locals can help you with that part.

Personally, I would do HoJo first then DLH. While HoJo is a good hotel, I live by the "move up" philosophy, where I would rather stay at the more deluxe resort after staying at the moderate. It might be a little bit of a let down, esp. for the kids, to go to HoJo after staying at DLH.

I think you could spend the entire 4 days at DL. In October 2001, we stayed at GC for 4 nights, and it was perfect for a leisurely vacation. You will definitely need at LEAST 2 days, but I would say at least 3 at DL and DCA without running around commando style.

If you stay only within the DL area, you don't really need a car, but depending on what airport you fly into, it might be worth it to get a car rather than paying a per person fee for a shuttle. Also, if you really want to explore other areas besides DL, it would really be easier to do that with a car.

 

[lulubelle]

I agree with what LuvTigger said about switching hotels (HoJo's first, DLH second). As accomodating and nice as Hojo's is, there is nothing like staying onsite and you will not want to check out of DLH and move across the street. Your dates acutally sound perfect for that time of year. All the kids in SoCal will still be in school (til about mid-June) and you will miss the May crowds which will likely be massive. What else do you want to see or do here? If you are thinking about a one day excursion somewhere, I would not rent a car but if you think you will drive two days or more, I would recommend one. I think 4 full days at the parks and DTD are necessary to fully appreciate all the sights and attactions. And IF the parks are crowded, you may need more time. Just my opinion.

Have fun planning and have a wonderful trip

 

[disneyfan67]

I glad I asked for your advice, thank you to all who replied to my question. I'm going to add another night to my DLH stay and then when we're done with Disneyland we might drive down to SD and stay down there for 2 days. This way I can see the Zoo, Sea world, beaches, etc. I didn't think about how bummed out my kids would be if moved we over to the Hojo after spending 4 nights at the DLH. Plus I found out the tour bus that picks you up from the hojo says the trip to SD Zoo has an 11 hour tour time. If my kids get tired at the zoo I don't want to wait for the tour bus to take us back. Is the Zoo and Sea World expensive and does any one know how much? I have never been to Socal before and this is all new to me. Thank you again to all the kind members who take the time and answer my endless questions.

 

[disneyfan67]

Also why is the first part of May so crowded at Disneyland? I would think that May wouldn't be so crowded compared to the summer months. I had forgot to ask this question on my last post. Sorry.

 

[Firefly777]

Well, May 5th is the kick-off of the 50th Celebration. I'm not sure that would affect you if you were going then though, since you would have been going before the 5th.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

First off its Tarpland not tarp City thank you very much

2nd I agree with the move up thing- and I'm starting to think May 5th will be like July 17th Be prepared to grab your spot of concrete and enjoy (wonder why I just booked my May 4-8th trip...)



Sea World and the Zoo are both about 30-40 each- BUT you can usually find discount tickets for the Zoo- One thing to maybe look into is the City Pass that has DL and a few other parks (either the zoo or seaworld was included)

Id recommend renting a car even if its for the day- Id hate to be bundled into a bus time limit esp if you dont want to spend that much time there (or want to make a side trip or two..) Its about 1-2 hour drive (depending on traffic)

-em

 

[iceskatejen]

Sea world is $49.75 for adults, $39.75 for ages 3-9.
SD Zoo is $21 adults, $14 for kids for basic admission. If you want the deluxe pass (includes the bus tour, express bus and the skyfari aireal tram) it's $32 for adults (sorry, don't know the kids' price on that), but you get a 20% discount if you have AAA.