Disneyland advice for a dummy

[luckyman_apd]

Ok, I'm not a dummy, but I don't know ANYTHING about Disneyland. I live in NJ, and we are recent DVC vacation club owners. We have been to WDW many times in our life, and have 2 young children (Ages 2 & 6). I've never been to the West coast, or even thought of going to Disneyland with WDW so much closer and quicker for us to get to.

My wife is traveling to San Diego June 24-27th for the ISTE conference for her school district. I am considering taking the kids and flying out to LAX on the 27th, and having her rent a car from San Diego and driving up and meeting us there and spending 3 nights and visiting Disneyland for 2 days. Airfare right now for a round trip from PHL to LAX is the same as what I'm going to pay to go to WDW in November!

For an East Coaster, is DL doable in 2 days? I don't need to "do it all" as many feel the need to try to do in WDW. We are DVC owners so we WILL be traveling to WDW almost yearly. DL is just kind of a bucket list, need to do it once kinda thing. (I know I'm too young to have a bucket list)

I guess my main questions are 1) Will I see/do anything different in DL that we won't get in WDW? 2) are there any discount ticket sites like undercover tourist for DL? 3) Should I save my money for something else since we are already doing WDW in November (and years to come with DVC?)

 

[HydroGuy]

This thread with some 50,000+ views is the starting point around here:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Two days at DLR will be enough to have a lot of fun and whet your appetite for a return trip in the future. To have a solid visit where you feel like you have enough time requires four days.

Late June will be really busy but don't let that scare you. Just prepare. The reason for the busy time this year is the opening of Carsland and Buena Vista Street rumored for June 15. Educate yourself on the AP block out issue at DLR - something which is not an issue at WDW.

For an East Coaster, is DL doable in 2 days? I don't need to "do it all" as many feel the need to try to do in WDW. We are DVC owners so we WILL be traveling to WDW almost yearly. DL is just kind of a bucket list, need to do it once kinda thing. (I know I'm too young to have a bucket list)

I guess my main questions are 1) Will I see/do anything different in DL that we won't get in WDW? 2) are there any discount ticket sites like undercover tourist for DL? 3) Should I save my money for something else since we are already doing WDW in November (and years to come with DVC?)

To question #1 - definitely yes. Believe it or not the two parks at DLR have more rides than the four WDW parks put together. And DLR shows are awesome. Make sure to see World of Color. Nothing like it at any Disney Park.

Discount tickets like UT can be found at reputable sites like www.arestravel.com and www.getawaytoday.com.

For question #3 I think you should save money not only for future WDW
trips but for a future DLR trip because you will want to go back most likely.

Have a magical trip!

 

[luckyman_apd]

We are not locked into returning the 30th. We could do July 1st, but if my wife can't take July 2nd off then I would like to give her that Sunday to recoup from a week on West coast time. Up to her I guess. We might be able to swing the 4 days you suggest. I guess all the other expense will play a part in that as I research it. We won't know until later this week if she is definitely going to the ISTE conference.

At first I thought maybe we could just meet her in San Diego and enjoy it there, but Airfare is almost double to go there over LAX, and LAX has direct flights form philly cheap. Must easier for 1 guy with 2 kids on plane

Thanks for the links. I'm going to doing some reading today!

 

[Minuet888]

You asked if DisneyLAND is doable in two days, yes, but don't forget there is a second park Disney CALIFORNIA, if you are doing both of those parks then I would say 3 days just so you can catch everything, especially the night stuff which is hard to squeeze in all in one or even two nights. Plus depending on when you are going it might be crowded with the lines so if you want to make sure you get everything in I would say three days.
And if you do go to California park go see ALADIN, I don't think they have it in WDW (i could be wrong) and it is a GREAT show!

 

[luckyman_apd]

Thanks! We are actually thinking of flying home July 1st now. It's like a 6:30 am flight out of LAX but whatever. We can sleep when we're dead right?

I still have a lot to read, and this trip is NOT definite. Depends on what her work says this week, but I've laid most of the ground work for airfare, hotel, and tickets, and car rental (although I'm still thinking of doing it without a car...not as easy as WDW)

 

[chttyangel]

Thanks! We are actually thinking of flying home July 1st now. It's like a 6:30 am flight out of LAX but whatever. We can sleep when we're dead right?

I still have a lot to read, and this trip is NOT definite. Depends on what her work says this week, but I've laid most of the ground work for airfare, hotel, and tickets, and car rental (although I'm still thinking of doing it without a car...not as easy as WDW)

If your just visiting DL and DCA, then you do not need a car. There are lots of hotels within walking distance from the Parks, both Parks are right next to DTD. From the airport there are shuttled to all the hotels; and the shuttle drivers usually know which roads to take to not get stuck in LA traffic. The hardest part will be your wife but I have seen shuttles or you could try Amtrak or my family went from DL to the cruise ship in SD and just rented a car for a couple hours for that. Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Plutos Mommy]

If your just visiting DL and DCA, then you do not need a car. There are lots of hotels within walking distance from the Parks, both Parks are right next to DTD. From the airport there are shuttled to all the hotels; and the shuttle drivers usually know which roads to take to not get stuck in LA traffic. The hardest part will be your wife but I have seen shuttles or you could try Amtrak or my family went from DL to the cruise ship in SD and just rented a car for a couple hours for that. Good luck and have fun!!!

Amtrak is a great idea for your wife to get there. There is a stop in Anaheim about a mile away from the resort. My daughter is going to school in SD and she hops on the train in Solana Beach (just north of San Diego) and is in Anaheim in about 90 minutes. It costs her $20 to get there (if you are an AAA member you can get a discount if you purchase more than 7 days in advance). I have heard that there is a Disney bus that picks up at the train station but we have never used it (maybe someone can verify this). A few years ago I took a taxi from the train station (always lots of taxi's waiting) and it cost around $10 to get 4 of us to our hotel.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Yeah, the plan keeps changing by the day (and so far it is my IMAGINARY trip until she finds out if she is going to SD or not!). I read on Mousesavers.com yesterday about Amtrak from SD to Anaheim. If we do rent a car, I would rent it from LAX. I've read about transportation from LAX and it's doable, but our flight home on Sun July 1 would depart at 6:30 am. I think I might bite the bullet on $200 for the rental car just to get back to LAX from the hotel.

My other issue is having public transportation with 2 kids by myself. I am a Mr. Mom type, but after a 5-6 hour flight, it would be much easier for me to have a car. My son is a beast on a plane. We've taken him 3 times as a lap child and most recently last summer on our trip to Orlando for WDW. It was NOT a fun time. This flight is double, and if I rent a car, I will take his car seat along for use on the plane as well. Since he no longer under 2 (he's 2.5) he will need his own seat, but that doesn't mean he will stay in it. With the car seat he can be strapped in. He is used to it from long car rides, and he is comfortable sleeping in it (I would pray for that on the plane ride )

Of all the expense of this trip, the car would be the smallest. I can't tell you how helpful Hydro's guide had been.

 

[chttyangel]

Don't forget; in CA your 6 year old will need a carseat (booster) too. You can rent one if your state does not have this requirement.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Don't forget; in CA your 6 year old will need a carseat (booster) too. You can rent one if your state does not have this requirement.

Yeah, I'm gonna find out (if we end up renting or car) if it's easier to get a booster with the car, or bring my own. Thanks!

What are the realistic chance of finding a ride back to LAX at 4 am so I wouldn't need a car? I'm reading it's about a 45 minute ride. Maybe 4:30 is a better time. Have to take the 6:30am flight otherwise it's a redeye and I'm NOT doing that with a 2 year old!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We loved the carseat on the plane for our 2.5 year old (and 4 year old..we had a seat that would still work). It was AWESOME lol

Honestly...and I don't wanna make you spend extra hard earned cash but..I'd have a REALLY hard time not having a car with your situation. Other people will probably have good advice for you tho!

I'll just go ahead and agree..you might wanna consider 3 days if you plan on hitting up DCA (which you should ).

I also agree that it shouldn't be skipped just because you're going to WDW. It's a whole new experience

 

[luckyman_apd]

We loved the carseat on the plane for our 2.5 year old (and 4 year old..we had a seat that would still work). It was AWESOME lol

Honestly...and I don't wanna make you spend extra hard earned cash but..I'd have a REALLY hard time not having a car with your situation. Other people will probably have good advice for you tho!

I'll just go ahead and agree..you might wanna consider 3 days if you plan on hitting up DCA (which you should ).

I also agree that it shouldn't be skipped just because you're going to WDW. It's a whole new experience

THANKS! Yeah, I figured the extra for the car, just to keep my kid contained in a seat on the plane may be worth it.

We've been to WDW 3 times in the past 4 years. This November will make 4 in 4 years. Our kids love it, we love it. My in laws went with us twice. This November we are taking my Mom. I wasn't sure if DL/DCA was the best choice for my budget with WDW in Nov, and a summer OBX beach vacation in NC. But if my wife HAS to be out there, I'll find a way to make the extra $ to go. I don't see a time in the future that we are going to trek across the country for DL when we just bought into a Bay Lake Tower DVC ownership. I'm hoping to get my brother and his family to go with us if he can get the time off. I really appreciate the advice (especially Hydro's thread) given here.

I'm thinking of making a hotel reservation since it can be cancelled without penalty if we end up not going. I'm looking for as cheap as can be (without being a roach motel) with close proximity (aka across the street is best). None of the places across the street seem unreasonable. Any recommendations on which one? I'd prefer to walk to the park(s)

And why isn't my ticker below working?????

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

THANKS! Yeah, I figured the extra for the car, just to keep my kid contained in a seat on the plane may be worth it.

We've been to WDW 3 times in the past 4 years. This November will make 4 in 4 years. Our kids love it, we love it. My in laws went with us twice. This November we are taking my Mom. I wasn't sure if DL/DCA was the best choice for my budget with WDW in Nov, and a summer OBX beach vacation in NC. But if my wife HAS to be out there, I'll find a way to make the extra $ to go. I don't see a time in the future that we are going to trek across the country for DL when we just bought into a Bay Lake Tower DVC ownership. I'm hoping to get my brother and his family to go with us if he can get the time off. I really appreciate the advice (especially Hydro's thread) given here.

I'm thinking of making a hotel reservation since it can be cancelled without penalty if we end up not going. I'm looking for as cheap as can be (without being a roach motel) with close proximity (aka across the street is best). None of the places across the street seem unreasonable. Any recommendations on which one? I'd prefer to walk to the park(s)

And why isn't my ticker below working?????

We'll be staying at Desert Inn and Suites in June. It's bare bones basic but very reasonable. Most people like it enough to keep staying there more than once (seems to be my experience). We wanted RIGHT across the street and it's almost as close as you can get. They also offer a free continental and have suites and fridges and microwaves (which sold us). I hear complaints about the beds being firm..but that isn't a bad point for us haha.

Lots of people love the Best Western right there. It's even closer to that crosswalk! Howard Johnson gets really glowing reviews but it's more like a 15 min walk. Same with Desert Palms (which is on the same side of the street as Disneyland). The walk isn't killer but some people can't handle it late at night after a full day. The breakfast at Desert Palms was worth the walk!! (Hot stuff in the mornings..pancakes/gravy and sausage..etc) but it is more and a longer walk for sure.

Honestly, we're mostly interested in a place to rest our heads.

I hope you can make it work! Even if it's the only time you go, you'll be glad you did.

As for all the info, hang around here enough and you'll learn the craziest tips and tricks you never knew you needed

Your ticker stumps me because it's been a year since I added mine LOL. Lemme look around..

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Mine looks like this...minus the spaces and plus signs.
Darnit, I can't get it to s how you LOL

 

[mouseymommy]

The Best Western Park Place Inn is the closest motel to the gates. It is clean, and the rooms all have microwaves and fridges. They also have free breakfast. We have stayed there several times and we like it a lot for our Disneyland trips. We like the convenience of being able to go back to the room for naps. It is not fancy, but it is clean, and many of the rooms are mini suites. For our family, we get the king room. It has a king bed, and a pull out bed for our 2 sons. Our daughter sleeps in a porta crib. We love that we have a little sitting area, and the location just can't be beat. I hope your family gets this Disneyland trip. We just love DL!

 

[coaches24]

We'll be staying at Desert Inn and Suites in June. It's bare bones basic but very reasonable. Most people like it enough to keep staying there more than once (seems to be my experience). We wanted RIGHT across the street and it's almost as close as you can get. They also offer a free continental and have suites and fridges and microwaves (which sold us). I hear complaints about the beds being firm..but that isn't a bad point for us haha.

Lots of people love the Best Western right there. It's even closer to that crosswalk! Howard Johnson gets really glowing reviews but it's more like a 15 min walk. Same with Desert Palms (which is on the same side of the street as Disneyland). The walk isn't killer but some people can't handle it late at night after a full day. The breakfast at Desert Palms was worth the walk!! (Hot stuff in the mornings..pancakes/gravy and sausage..etc) but it is more and a longer walk for sure.

Honestly, we're mostly interested in a place to rest our heads.

I hope you can make it work! Even if it's the only time you go, you'll be glad you did.

As for all the info, hang around here enough and you'll learn the craziest tips and tricks you never knew you needed

Your ticker stumps me because it's been a year since I added mine LOL. Lemme look around..

Good to hear about the desert palms. We are staying there in May. Last trip we stayed farther away at the motel 6 Anaheim maingate and it was fine (if you don't mind the walk) but we decided to try a little closer. The desert palms had a good price (only about 100 bucks more for 4 nights then motel 6 and the other cheapest and cheaper than all the closer ones that I checked. The breakfast was one of the reasons we picked it as we get it free.

 

[Minuet888]

Don't forget; in CA your 6 year old will need a carseat (booster) too. You can rent one if your state does not have this requirement.

It's 6 years old or 60 pounds meaning when your child turns 6 or weighs 60 pounds they no longer need a car seat I checked this out for sure with the CHP because my son is 6 and no longer uses a booster or car seat

 

[chttyangel]

It's 6 years old or 60 pounds meaning when your child turns 6 or weighs 60 pounds they no longer need a car seat I checked this out for sure with the CHP because my son is 6 and no longer uses a booster or car seat

Did you check since Jan 1st?? I only ask because there was a new law that took affect on 1/1/2012 changing it to 8 years old and remove the weight guideline. My son has JUST stopped using the booster chair and getting him back in was a huge chore. He did not want to sit in a baby seat.

Here is am article on it; thought it was worth including in case you live in CA; the fines are crazy! http://www.californiality.com/2011/12/california-booster-seat-law-2012.html

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Good to hear about the desert palms. We are staying there in May. Last trip we stayed farther away at the motel 6 Anaheim maingate and it was fine (if you don't mind the walk) but we decided to try a little closer. The desert palms had a good price (only about 100 bucks more for 4 nights then motel 6 and the other cheapest and cheaper than all the closer ones that I checked. The breakfast was one of the reasons we picked it as we get it free.

I totally thought it was worth it! I'm going to have to mourn the loss of the better breakfast this trip!! I think they had about 3 main meals they rotated so you didn't get super sick of anything too