Did I already make a mistake?

[mssjss]

I keep reading here and there most peoples number one tip is to stay on site or at least a good neighbor. I have planned to stay 7 miles away from Disney. We're driving up to CA, so we'll have a car, but I don't want to make what people are saying is a huge mistake! Is it really THAT bad to stay that far if you have a car to drive yourself?

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Welcome! Read *this* Why not cancel and go with someplace much closer?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

One of our DISers stayed at a hotel six miles away, and it did impact her visit to the Disneyland Resort.

My opinion would be - if your main purpose for the trip is to visit the Disneyland Resort, then your experience would be enhanced if you stayed closer. If the DLR is just a part of your trip out here, then 7 miles away isn't really going to impact it.

 

[mssjss]

Lovely. -_- I really wish I would've researched a little more before booking Thank goodness I can make changes to our package! I just assumed since we were going in late August it wouldn't be busy, I didn't think of regular everyday traffic. Thanks!

 

[blackjackdelta]

August is a very busy month and after the 20th maybe even busier with the locals coming back. Good luck

Jack

 

[sonnyjane]

Lovely. -_- I really wish I would've researched a little more before booking Thank goodness I can make changes to our package! I just assumed since we were going in late August it wouldn't be busy, I didn't think of regular everyday traffic. Thanks!

If you mean to say that you assumed that going in late August meant that Disneyland wouldn't be busy, you have unfortunately made a HUGE mistake in that assumption!!! The end of August is going to be very, very, very, VERY busy. Many schools are still out AND the local AP blockout that has been in effect all summer will be lifted, therefore making for a mad dash to the parks. I'm not saying you should reschedule or anything, just plan accordingly for a very packed park!

 

[NVDisMom]

I have the option of staying with relatives for FREE (my favorite four letter word) and choose to pay for a hotel every trip, including our upcoming August trip. I would certainly look at re booking closer.

Please, for your own sanity, read thru the Hydroguy rules about going during peak season. And yes, late August is definitely peak season. We purposely scheduled our trip before AP blackouts were lifted in order to only deal with regular summer crowds.

 

[peloha86]

Lovely. -_- I really wish I would've researched a little more before booking Thank goodness I can make changes to our package! I just assumed since we were going in late August it wouldn't be busy, I didn't think of regular everyday traffic. Thanks!

Just came back from the Happiest and CROWDED place on earth!

Just an FYI to help you out...
We were in line for the EMH for AP holders and guests of DL hotels. At 6:30 AM, the line for DCA was already 10 people deep. I've been going to DL for 40+ years and never seen DCA this crowded. Carsland has really impacted DCA. It was nice just to walk from GC instead of hopping in a car, parking, getting on a tram, then walk through security. We had a baby with us and we were grateful to be so close to the parks.

Things do keep on changing, so I would stay onsite for at least 1-2 days (If DL/DCA is your only trip to SoCal) and call Disney to clarify any early morning entry for guests of any DL hotel, and if you have a hopper ticket read the fine print to see if there is early morning entry for your ticket. Different vendors that sell DL tickets have different offerings, so read carefully the fine print!

Good luck, and I agree with reading Hydroguy's posts, very informative.

 

[mssjss]

It looks like I have a lot of research to do still. I mean the dates are set for my dds birthday so we'll deal with the crowds. I will definitely look for a closer hotel though! Thanks!

 

[peloha86]

It looks like I have a lot of research to do still. I mean the dates are set for my dds birthday so we'll deal with the crowds. I will definitely look for a closer hotel though! Thanks!

And there is construction on I-5 north of Disneyland, about 5 miles from there... Check out the Caltrans website for traffic and construction http://www.dot.ca.gov/

 

[Liltx]

With your kiddos so young and the heat in August I would stay closer just so you can take a nap etc.

BUT We have stayed in Irvine a few times during spring break and it has been fine even when our youngest was 4. It was not hot, in fact cool to cold at night. We were able to stay in the park through the fireworks, evening shows without needing a break. We can priceline the Doubletree, Irvine Spectrum for $40 a night free parking. We also enjoy the beaches and other sites so we are not only doing DL. It would take us 30-40 minutes to drive and park. The shuttles from the parking garage are very frequent. We love the Irvine area, so many place to eat, entertainment. Anyway just saying it can work for some people. We have stayed on Katella too but just do not really enjoy the area outside of being close to the parks.