Hi, DH just sprung the possibility that we could go to DL 3rd week if June to coincide with another event. We've been to WDW several times but never DL. I'm a planner, usually months in advance. I look up deals, book hotel, plan dining, special experiences etc... Can you all give me the lowdown on DL! Most likely I'd like to book on property, it will be 2 adults, 1 child and want to see all parks. How many days is reasonable? TIA!
The good news is that DL doesn't require the amount of planning that WDW does!
You pick your dates, pick your hotel and flights, and then relax! At about 2 months before your trip, you make your dining ressies. Easy peasy!
For a first trip, I would really recommend 4-5 days (ideally 5, but that's just because I like to do things more than once!). DH thinks 3 days is just about right, but that's because we go at least once a year!
Apart from the limited planning, DL and DCA are mere moments away from each other--literally a 2-minute walk--so park hopping is pretty convenient, and pretty common, unlike at WDW from what I've heard. DL doesn't seem to do the deals like WDW gets--there's no free dining promotions or such. There isn't much reason at DL to do the dining plan. It is a $1=$1 straight trade, and no change is given, so you still end up paying (or losing money!) something at your meals. Also, many off-site hotels are just as close (or closer!) than the on-site hotels, so don't assume you need to stay on-site to be close. In fact, using the main gate as the end point, Park Vue Inn, Best Western Park Place Inn, Desert Inn and Suites, and Tropicana are all closer than the
Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier, for about half the price (sometimes even more than half the price). We're Park Vue devotees, but other people like other hotels along Harbor Blvd as well.
