Disney World Vets heading to Cali for the first time this year. Need Advice!!!!!

[Jfstorm]

OK, so DD 40; heading to Disneyland for a most likely one time shot with DS 13. We are ultimate WDW pros; having been over 40 times since he was 3. Airfare is going to set us back quite a bit I'm sure; so we have 2 huge points to decide: When to go and where to stay. the choices: 5 days after Easter Sunday; a week in mid-June; or a week at start of August. Next; where to stay. Of course, we would love to stay on site; but I'm pretty sure the budget won't allow it for the whole trip at least. So, need suggestions for the off-site hotels that are CLEAN and SAFE and within walking distance (we can clear Epcot entrance to Morrocco Pavilion in 10 minutes flat speed walking; so we're both in good shape). I've so far seen Fairfield Inn, a decent looking Motel 6, and most of the other chains; but the advertising isn't always what you get. I'd love to work in a night or two @ an on-site hotel just for the experience and early entry benys; but its not a MUST if we get a good hotel off site. DL pros out there; PLEASE HELP! And if you need the same for WDW; I can give you tips that will save TONS of $$ and most importantly; TIME!

 

[HydroGuy]

OK, so DD 40; heading to Disneyland for a most likely one time shot with DS 13. We are ultimate WDW pros; having been over 40 times since he was 3. Airfare is going to set us back quite a bit I'm sure; so we have 2 huge points to decide: When to go and where to stay. the choices: 5 days after Easter Sunday; a week in mid-June; or a week at start of August.

You have probably already found this sticky at the top, but if not, here is a good starting point:

**ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC

Also, my favorite DIS poster () wrote this popular thread: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

OK, on to your questions...

You will get lots of opinions on when to go. Here are mine: For 2010 I would choose early August. Why?

Because during Spring Break the Rivers of America will still be drained (drained this past Monday and will stay that way until May). That means no Fantasmic, Mark Twain, Pirates Lair on TSI, SS Columbia or DC Canoes.

Mid-June is #2 choice but had some real crowds last year and probably will again in 2010 because of the April debut of a night time spectacular show World of Color at DCA.

Early August will be hottest for sure, but if you can handle the heat - and IMO it is not that bad for most people - it will offer the best experience. Be sure to follow good summer touring strategies:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Next; where to stay. Of course, we would love to stay on site; but I'm pretty sure the budget won't allow it for the whole trip at least. So, need suggestions for the off-site hotels that are CLEAN and SAFE and within walking distance (we can clear Epcot entrance to Morrocco Pavilion in 10 minutes flat speed walking; so we're both in good shape). I've so far seen Fairfield Inn, a decent looking Motel 6, and most of the other chains; but the advertising isn't always what you get. I'd love to work in a night or two @ an on-site hotel just for the experience and early entry benys; but its not a MUST if we get a good hotel off site. DL pros out there; PLEASE HELP!

See the hotel links and reviews in **ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC.

Here are some more links:

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b

Have a magical trip!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

I hope you have a fabulous trip!!

OK, here are my 2 cents...lol....

We have visited during all of those time frames over the years.... The one thing with going right after Easter is that the new WOC show might not be up and running....rumor is that they might have some soft openings, however, it is not guaranteed. I think it will be officially up and running at the end of April. I think it would be a shame to miss that, especially since it is the big new thing.

We love going in mid-June. Usually the AP's start to have block out dates Thursday to Saturday - I think????? It is not quite as crowded yet, but it is also not as hot yet. June Gloom in California, which is nice cool cloudy mornings that burn off by the afternoon. The drawback on this time is that the entertainment schedule is not always up at full swing during the week, hours can be shorter and some nights they close early for Grad Nite. Since we go often and the primary goal of my kids is to do the rides, this time works great for us.

August is full summer tourist season. We enjoy this time too, but do not spend as much time in the parks.... We go early in the morning and then spend 4-5 hours at the pool and the hotel during the heat and crowds of the day. We return to the park in the evening and stay out LATE. In our experience, it is much, much more crowded.

Can't help much with the hotels. We always stay on-site. But, there are many people who have experience with the other hotels and I am sure they will respond.

Have fun!!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Because during Spring Break the Rivers of America will still be drained (drained this past Monday and will stay that way until May). That means no Fantasmic, Mark Twain, Pirates Lair on TSI, SS Columbia or DC Canoes.

Mid-June is #2 choice but had some real crowds last year and probably will again in 2010 because of the April debut of a night time spectacular show World of Color at DCA.

Oh, that is a good point.... I didn't think about that.

 

[RabbitFood]

Check out Candy Cane Inn--see Tripadvisor for reviews. It's a great place/reasonably priced/close by.

Have a great time! I love Disneyland!

 

[blackjackdelta]

You have probably already found this sticky at the top, but if not, here is a good starting point:

**ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC

Also, my favorite DIS poster () wrote this popular thread: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

OK, on to your questions...

You will get lots of opinions on when to go. Here are mine: For 2010 I would choose early August. Why?

Because during Spring Break the Rivers of America will still be drained (drained this past Monday and will stay that way until May). That means no Fantasmic, Mark Twain, Pirates Lair on TSI, SS Columbia or DC Canoes.

Mid-June is #2 choice but had some real crowds last year and probably will again in 2010 because of the April debut of a night time spectacular show World of Color at DCA.

Early August will be hottest for sure, but if you can handle the heat - and IMO it is not that bad for most people - it will offer the best experience. Be sure to follow good summer touring strategies:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

See the hotel links and reviews in **ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC.

Here are some more links:

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b

Have a magical trip!

Have to agree with Trey. We have done all those time slots over the last 20 years but mostly have done August since 97. Crowd profiles have changed over the last 2 years, moreso in 2009. I would stick with August.
We love the heat(but it is hotter at home during August), so we tolerate it well. It will be busy but if you stay when the SoCal passes are blocked you have a better chance of having a better crowd senario. Besides that, eveything is up and running.

Have a great stay,

Jack

 

[Leofoenget]

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

Anything in the green is walking distance. Hojo is a board favorite using the Entertainment Rate, Anaheim Plaza is cheap, Desert Inn, Best Western are all easy walking distance. Lets talk about June. June is a great time to go BUT YOU NEED TO AVOID THE LAST WEEK THE SO CAL AP'S CAN GO. I'm going to try to go the 23rd. Both levels of cheaper aP's are blocked out starting that day so I am hoping for a nice week. I went this week last year and had a wonderful time

 

[HydroGuy]

Have to agree with Trey. We have done all those time slots over the last 20 years but mostly have done August since 97. Crowd profiles have changed over the last 2 years, moreso in 2009. I would stick with August.
We love the heat(but it is hotter at home during August), so we tolerate it well. It will be busy but if you stay when the SoCal passes are blocked you have a better chance of having a better crowd senario. Besides that, eveything is up and running.

Have a great stay,

Jack

Lets talk about June. June is a great time to go BUT YOU NEED TO AVOID THE LAST WEEK THE SO CAL AP'S CAN GO. I'm going to try to go the 23rd. Both levels of cheaper aP's are blocked out starting that day so I am hoping for a nice week. I went this week last year and had a wonderful time

For more info on this see my shiny new thread:

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[Jfstorm]

Many thanks for the replies! So, April is DEF. out; and i'm gonna research the AP situation. weird, it sounds like DLR is more like Universal is in Florida as relates to the locals ratio. No worries about the heat, we can take the Fl. humidity and 100 degree weather with no prob.

 

[auroralark]

Well, I can't give you advice on the time of year, since I just came back from my first visit, but I can recommend the HOJO. It's a quick walk, very nice rooms, great staff, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from on the walk to DL. Plus the price is definitely right. I would stay there again on my next visit.

 

[Flitterific]

Well, I can't give you advice on the time of year, since I just came back from my first visit, but I can recommend the HOJO. It's a quick walk, very nice rooms, great staff, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from on the walk to DL. Plus the price is definitely right. I would stay there again on my next visit.

Yup...HoJo is definitely a great place to stay at, especially if you can get it at the Entertainment Rate ($59/night). However, the Ent. Rate doesn't usually show up until a 2-3 months prior and dates often get added last minute. You can book it at the regular rate and then call and have them adjust it if your dates do come up. For a list of dates, go here: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

DBF and I have also stayed at the Fairfield Inn which is okay but HoJo's is definitely a lot better.

As for the dates, I will have to say that August will probably be the best time to go for all the reasons that Hydroguy listed. Plus, the parks stay later then. I went in August for 5 days last year and I was able to get a lot done and got to see all of the shows (i.e. fireworks, Electrical Parade, Fantasmic, parades) multiple times

 

[CrazyDuck]

August... If you can handle Florida heat, Anaheim in August should be a piece of cake! So this trip will be the first one this year, or the first one ever?

 

[HydroGuy]

No worries about the heat, we can take the Fl. humidity and 100 degree weather with no prob.

FYI, see "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

 

[blackjackdelta]

August... If you can handle Florida heat, Anaheim in August should be a piece of cake! So this trip will be the first one this year, or the first one ever?

August last year was not quite a piece of cake. AP's were unblocked at the time we went, temp was aroubnd 80 degree's. DGF keep complaining that it was cooler than the previous visits and hoped this next year the temp would be back in the 90's. Very, very crowded mid day, but we always make the best of it. The first week in August should be great, but I am stuck with the week of the 15th.

Jack

 

[HydroGuy]

August last year was not quite a piece of cake. AP's were unblocked at the time we went, temp was aroubnd 80 degree's. DGF keep complaining that it was cooler than the previous visits and hoped this next year the temp would be back in the 90's. Very, very crowded mid day, but we always make the best of it. The first week in August should be great, but I am stuck with the week of the 15th.

Jack

If think Duck was referring to temperatures not crowds.

 

[Mrs. Toaster]

Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents here! You are correct about Disneyland being more of a locals park. Certainly there are outside guests that visit, but the crowd dynamic is definitely different than WDW. That means that DL tends to be more crowded on the weekends and California school holidays when the locals can visit, where as the WDW crowd calendar is based much more on specific times of the year.

Don't be afraid to travel in early August! Even if it is hot, the heat in California is nothing like the heat and humidity in Florida! It is much less humid.

Let me just say, that on this cold Georgia snow day, the California heat is sounding pretty good right now, right??

 

[Diznut84]

I've had WDW annual passes for 5+ years, and moved to SoCal about two years ago. We go to DL every weekend.

My recommendation:
Go in mid-June or August.

Option 1: Some "June gloom" possible in June. Not all local schools might be out, so crowds might be better in June.

Option 2: August can be hot, though the ocean is warmer in August if you plan to make use of it.

Recommendations for touring:

For days to go do DL, check AP blackout dates. Best if SoCal and SoCal Select passes are blocked out.

Eat a corn dog from the freshly renovated corn dog cart at DL. While at California Adventure, enjoy California Screamin'. Fantastic coaster. Prepare for a long wait to see World of Color, but do it anyway. See the Aladdin show. Enjoy the overall shorter wait times than at WDW. Forget most of your Fast Pass practices. You won't need them most of the time. Enjoy the fact that, unlike at WDW, you can easily walk between the two parks as you wish.

Priceline your stay in Anaheim at a 3 star hotel and rent a car. You can't do SoCal without a car. See the bidding for travel website for strategies.

Don't compare DL to WDW or you will be disappointed. Expect to be disappointed by the castle and the age of the park. Those of us who live here love it, though.

Remember that DL is not in itself a vacation destination like WDW is. WDW has far superior resorts and food. However, SoCal is a real place whereas Florida is fake. People actually live here and there is a lot to do with us "locals".

If you go during June or August and you like baseball, consider hitting an Angels game. Very family friendly.

If going in June or August, head down to Newport Beach. Expect having a difficult time parking, but a fun day nonetheless.

Consider going up to the El Capitan theater in Hollywood to see the new Toy Story movie. Advanced ticket purchases are virtually required. Check out the rest of Hollywood while you are up there.

Consider watching a TV show being taped. See http://www.tvtix.com/schedule.php for details. Watch out for age restrictions.

If you like animals, go to the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park.

Eat an In-N-Out Burger (double double with fries and a shake is required).

Relax, hopefully enjoy some fantastic weather, feel the ocean breezes on your face, and meet the locals. It's a cool place!

Good luck!

 

[Jfstorm]

First EVER! Very excited

 

[Jfstorm]

Absolutely!!! In fact we BARELY missed snow in Augusta, but this 19 degree stuff is killing me. planning to escape to Orlando next weekend and warm up (well slightly it's supposed to be 70's) at Universal. Probably try to get in some WDW magic @ a resort for the evening or something; but cant afford to throw down for AP's there and the trip to Cali too. So, how would you say the hotels compare?I've read some aweful things about the DLH rooms last night; and saw great things about HOJO and CandyCane inn. We are definately used to the "imersion magic" of WDW even if its the All Stars. So how will we fare out west????

 

[Jfstorm]

I've had WDW annual passes for 5+ years, and moved to SoCal about two years ago. We go to DL every weekend.

My recommendation:
Go in mid-June or August.

Option 1: Some "June gloom" possible in June. Not all local schools might be out, so crowds might be better in June.

Option 2: August can be hot, though the ocean is warmer in August if you plan to make use of it.

Recommendations for touring:

For days to go do DL, check AP blackout dates. Best if SoCal and SoCal Select passes are blocked out.

Eat a corn dog from the freshly renovated corn dog cart at DL. While at California Adventure, enjoy California Screamin'. Fantastic coaster. Prepare for a long wait to see World of Color, but do it anyway. See the Aladdin show. Enjoy the overall shorter wait times than at WDW. Forget most of your Fast Pass practices. You won't need them most of the time. Enjoy the fact that, unlike at WDW, you can easily walk between the two parks as you wish.

Priceline your stay in Anaheim at a 3 star hotel and rent a car. You can't do SoCal without a car. See the bidding for travel website for strategies.

Don't compare DL to WDW or you will be disappointed. Expect to be disappointed by the castle and the age of the park. Those of us who live here love it, though.

Remember that DL is not in itself a vacation destination like WDW is. WDW has far superior resorts and food. However, SoCal is a real place whereas Florida is fake. People actually live here and there is a lot to do with us "locals".

If you go during June or August and you like baseball, consider hitting an Angels game. Very family friendly.

If going in June or August, head down to Newport Beach. Expect having a difficult time parking, but a fun day nonetheless.

Consider going up to the El Capitan theater in Hollywood to see the new Toy Story movie. Advanced ticket purchases are virtually required. Check out the rest of Hollywood while you are up there.

Consider watching a TV show being taped. See http://www.tvtix.com/schedule.php for details. Watch out for age restrictions.

If you like animals, go to the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park.

Eat an In-N-Out Burger (double double with fries and a shake is required).

Relax, hopefully enjoy some fantastic weather, feel the ocean breezes on your face, and meet the locals. It's a cool place!

Good luck!

Some great ideas there. I hope we get to extend out our vacation to 10 days or so. Flights will be the same either way; so just extra days of hotel and food. Any resort/hotel recommendations? seems that we are now down to that; as everything else is pretty settled. That part will give me the most headache; as i'm used to closing fantastic deals on rooms. Clean and safe are priority one, then distance and cool factor. I'm really beggining to catch that GCH is the only one that fits the "Resort" profile we are used to. It sounds a lot like Wilderness Lodge; which is very cool; but not worth it unless i can get it for $149 or less. I looked @ Motel 6 of all places; and their rooms look almost just like the new BLT my son is dieing to stay at! (He was the one who coined the term "Sandwich Hotel" and my WOD CM friend has since spread it around WDW as an inside joke)