Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and Hotel Tips?

[disneygogetter]

I was thinking of my Boyfriend and I getting a hotel and then going to both parks, one one day and one the other day. And I know there have been families, friends, etc. on here who have done this sort of thing. So what do you recommend? How much would this cost? We'd probably stay 1-3 days most likely. Thanks for any tips!

 

[Bud Ice]

- Hotel: Plan for $100+/night on a hotel room.
HotWire/Priceline could be as low as $50 in the area on weekdays.

- Tickets: Well they're listed.

- Food: Price differs onsite and offsite. Do a nice sitdown onsite, and venture off for smaller meals.

- Transpo: DLR $20 parking applies to cars. Hotels also do charge for parking.

 

[BadPinkTink]

The majority of people stay off site. There are only 3 onsite hotels and they can be expensive. The best thing to do would be to check out the list of good neighbour hotels https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/good-neighbor/

Some have their own transport to the parks, some are walking distance, some you have to get the Anaheim Resort Transport

Just be careful about hotels that say walking distance, they may be close to Disney property BUT actually far from the pedestrian entrances on Harbour or Downtown Disney.

I stay at Motel 6 MainGate, usually around $100 per night, large bedroom, no breakfast and ART to get to the park

I usaally stay 4 nights, arrival day I go to Downtown Disney, then 2 full days in the park, with park hopper tickets and then departure day, Down town Disney.

As I dont have access to Magic Mornings, I usually arrive at the parks around 9.30am. I go in June when the park is open until midnight and I usually head back to my hotel around 11pm.

 

[ADLFAN]

For a short two day, one night trip, you might as well be economical and stay 'off site'. The Disneyland Hotel is awesome, but it is pretty costly and you will want to enjoy a leisurely stay there! I would check out Google Maps and look at the hotels across the street from the Main Pedestrian Entrance on Harbor Blvd. Once you know the locations, go to the hotel websites and check their rates. It's pretty nice staying right across the street and walking to and from the parks, no extra time or charge for parking and bussing.

If you go during a busy season, where you know the parks will be crowded and you know DL will be open later than DCA, it may be worth it to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets so you can move back and forth depending on crowds and stay for another few hours in DL on your DCA day and get a few more rides in. You can also hold Fastpasses at both parks at the same time, for, say, Tower of Terror and the Star Wars version of Hyperspace Mountain!

It might be worth it to check out the park restaurants online and browse some menus so you have an idea where to head for lunch. That was one of my biggest wastes of time on my first trip. The prices are all listed, too, so you won't be surprised!

Have fun planning! Feel free to ask more specific planning questions as you get close to your trip!