Disneyland first timer - guidance appreciated!

[roxysmum123]

Hello all!

I'm a long time visitor to WDW and am hoping to go to California and see Disneyland next year. I will take about 10 days out there so I am wondering
1. How many days should I take for Disneyland?
2. What else is in the immediate area for me to see?
3. What are some good day trips?


Thanks so much for any guidance anyone can offer!

Oh one last thing, what's the best airport to fly into for Disneyland??

 

[christine*]

Hello!

1. I would spend 3 days at disney if not more.
2. Since you're going to be in socal for so long I would consider doing the socal city pass: http://www.citypass.com/southern-california
It includes Disney, Seaworld, Universal, and San Diego Zoo passes
3. Day trips? More information would be helpful (ie things you like to do normally, kids if any, etc)

 

[dzy76]

I have stayed there as long as two weeks. But I wouldn't stay less than five days. As for day trips, there is Universal, Sea World, Legoland, Hollywood, beaches. I personally have done them all once and now just stay at Disney. As for flying in, we always do Orange County (John Wayne) Airport. It's the closest to Disney. About 15 minute by taxi. And it's a small airport so easy to get luggage and your transportation. It's clean and efficient.

Have a great trip!

 

[flyngryter711]

It really depends when you plan to go to Disneyland. If you are going during the summer take at least 3 days to see Disneyland because the lines are long.

 

[roxysmum123]

Hello!

3. Day trips? More information would be helpful (ie things you like to do normally, kids if any, etc)

I'm 27 and will probably be travelling solo. I may be travelling with my boyfriend who is a few years older than me. No kids. Fairly flexible budget. Normally I like to see history, culture, shopping, good food, theme parks, trendy hotels and wouldn't mind going to a beach

 

[skiingfast]

Try reading some things from the stickies.

DLR guide for WDW vets. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 This will also talk about some other SoCal sites to see.

This transportation thread will cover airports and more.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

 

[Carmatts]

as far as day trips go. I'll throw some out there and you can see what appeals to you based off what you said about liking museums, shopping, theme parks etc.

- Knott's Berry Farm (nice little theme park about 15 minutes from Disneyland)

In the LA area: about an hour from Disneyland
- Universal Studios
- Magic Mountain (theme park 1/2 hour north of LA short on themes but with several large roller coasters)
- Getty Center (large art museum)
- Huntington Library (art museum and botanical gardens)
- La Brea Tar pits
- Griffith Observatory (great views of LA as well as being great observatory)
- Hollywood
- The Grove (cool shopping mall and place to see celebs)

San Diego Area: about 1 1/2 hours from Disneyland
- Sea World
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park (San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park plus there are several great museums and gardens)
- USS Midway museum (restored aircraft carrier)

Long Beach: about 1/2 hour from Disneyland
- Queen Mary
- Aquarium of the Pacific

Hopefully that gives some options.