Confused about logistics

[AllyGirl_79]

I'm going to CA this weekend and will spend three nights at the DLH. It will be my second trip to Disneyland, if you count a one night stay at the Grand Californian/8hours in the park we did last August. (I don't count it ... it's how I convinced my best friend we needed to go back!) I think I've got the planning under control, but I have two questions I just can't seem to figure out.

Last time, we were dropped off by friends, and I have to say I paid no attention to signage, etc. Is it easy to find the parking lot for the DLH? I'm concerned after looking at the hotel threads here that parking is a bit of a nuisance at the DLH, and I just want to make sure I shouldn't be printing out a whole bunch of maps before we go.

Also, can someone explain to me how the monorail works at the DLR? I've read on several threads that you can pick it up in DTD and get dropped off in Tomorrowland. I can't wait to try it! But where do they scan your park ticket? And is it a fun ride or is it just better to walk?

I'm sorry if this has all been covered before. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[lulubelle]

Hi AllyGirl!

When you approch the DLH there are ample signs pointing the way for you. It is not difficult at all. We always pull up to the hotel entrance and take our luggage out and go to check in. The valet will try to assist and offer to valet park your car. We politely decline (they are gracious about it) and after checking in, move our car to the self parking lot which is just to the right of the hotel. It is large with plently of spots and the walk is short. And yes, the monorail is very close to the DLH (unless you are in the far away tower, cannot remember the name right now ). But if you check in there, they scan your tickets right at the monorail entrance and when you exit in Tomorrowland you are officially in DL and free to roam at will! That is one reason we love DLH, the quick entry from the monorail. It is a fun trip, too. We enjoy the ride over and often times it saves a lot of time by not having to wait through the long entrance lines at the front of DL. Have a fabulous trip.

 

[bumbershoot]

In our experience, it was Paradise Pier that had awful signage. Took us 2 or 3 tries to find their parking lot. DLH was one of the lots we found first, LOL. But DLH's was fine to find.

 

[Janomi]

I will have to agree that parking at the DLH is much straight forward. Paradise Pier has a parking structure, but it is located in the back of the hotel and not as easily located.

As for the monorail, it is a short means of transportation into the park. Nothing on the scale of WDW at all. Your tickets are scanned outside the gate before your board the monorail and once in Tomorrowland, you're in the park.

Currently with only 1 monorail running, each time loading, it is quite packed and you may have an extended wait. Therefore, instead of waiting, you might just consider the nice 5 minute walk through DTD towards the Esplanade between DL and DCA. I like this walk since you get to see the shops/restaurants, parts of the GCH and the World of Disney store.

 

[avalon451]

The monorail is fun to take out of the park, to go get lunch in Downtown Disney. Hang out in Tomorrowland around lunchtime (or dinnertime) and get on to get out of the parks when it starts getting busy and crowded.

 

[jacky b]

The new monorail red should be up and running tomorrow or this weekend so things will be better with 2 running. The new monorail blue has arrived at the park now too so it will start testing soon.