Disneyland, anyone? Cal Adventure?

[emacman]

I realize there is not a DVC property there, but I never see Disneyland mentioned in these threads. My family likes rotating east and west coast so at least every two years we are at Disneyland. I do miss the villas of DVC properties, but the weather seems much nicer. Anybody else have thoughts?

 

[CarolAnnC]

We made two trips last year to Disneyland and absolutely adored it!! Disneyland, Downtown Disney and California Adventure park are all located within easy walking distance of each other.

We stayed both times (using points) at the Grand Californian hotel and found it extremely convenient. It is reminiscent of the Wilderness Lodge at WDW, with that type of rustic lodge appeal. There is an entrance directly into the California Adventure park for hotel guests, and I loved the central location.

The pools were great also, and Storyteller Cafe is NOT to be missed!! I highly recommend a Disneyland trip for DVC Members, at least try it once! You will find Walt's touch throught the park, and it is very cool to imagine him actually there so long ago...

 

[emacman]

Carol I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. While there are many similarities to WDW, Disneyland has it's own unique flavor. I find it more relaxing at times.
I like the water underneath Dumbo as opposed to concrete.
Mad tea party in a garden setting rather than a roof.
walking out the door into the park rather than to get on a bus or start hiking.
Humidity is must less and reduced chance of getting rained on.
The park is older and more mature in a lot of ways too.

Downsides are it can handle the volume WDW can. 20 years of experience went a long way to improvements. Four separate parks create more adventure. Disneyland and now DCA are all right there together. Much easier navigation and saving of time.

I completely love both. I just thought it was odd I'd seen nobody discuss Disneyland since joining the boards last week. Is there any other feedback out there? Surely not just Carol and I have perused these fine establishments!

 

[rwells]

We went to Disneyland in May and absolutely loved it. Soarin over California in California Adventure is the best ride I have ever been on. We also loved walking from one park to another and walking to the hotel. The weather was perfect too. We'll definitely go back.

 

[RobDoc]

If you want to discuss using DVC points at the Disneyland hotels, the DVC Board is the place. If you want to discuss the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks, our <a href="http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=26">Disneyland Board</a> would be a much better forum.

I'll move this thread over there for you!

Enjoy!

 

[FOJMO]

We went to Disneyland a few years ago with our DVC points. However, it was before they had California Adventure, etc. So, we found it delightful, but definitely smaller at that time.

I'm thinking now that they have added California Adventure and a Downtown Disney area, it should warrant a return visit. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and found it kind of old and not as up-to-date as some of the newer resorts.

Should we return, we'd probably want to stay at the Grand Californian possibly. Don't rule Disneyland out as a wonderful place to go!

 

[Mooobooks]

Both parks are great and loads of fun, and you can't beat staying at the Grand Californian. A beautiful hotel: you walk out the back door and you're IN California adventure. A few steps bring you to either Downtown Disney or Disneyland Park.
It costs a hell of a lot of DVC points to stay there, however. You can, if you are an Annual Passholder, stay at the Paradise Pier across the street for $150 a night (I'm doing so for the Pirate event in July).
It seems that Annual passholders get a lot more discounts in California than in Florida.

 

[ilovemky]

sorry WDW lovers, I like florida too, but DL is the original and the best in my Humble opinion. I am in the parks at least 2 times a week and never get tired of the magic. And Walt, yes, I did see him there when I was a child--he was wonderful. He would get in lines and talk to people to ask how they were doing, would operate the rides, etc. Truly a genius--I cried many many tears when he died and still do when I hear his voice on a tape. You can truly feel his spirit there--especially on Main Street if you just stop and sit for awhile, imagine him walking from his apartment over the firehouse down main street in his bathrobe. Come to DL--you will be glad you did!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dsnylndmom]

As you can see I"m a Disneyland nut! I've been to WDW once and am going back again in August but Disneyland has a special place in my heart. Everyone should give Disneyland a try!!!