Disneyland first timer

[Pbeh]

Hi, patience please with a Disneyland first timer. We have been to Orlando many times, but want to check out the California parks. Four of us, me, wife, ds 9, dd 6.

1) are the three resorts the best place to stay? Are the good neighbor hotels much cheaper? What are your recommendations?

2) Does Disneyland have a dining plan? If so how does it compare to Disney worlds plans?

3) will the week of the Fourth of July be super busy? Or just the 4th? How does a busy crowd at Disneyland compare to a busy crowd at magic kingdom?

Thanks for your help and patience!

 

[HydroGuy]

1) For most people, no. I suggest this: "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

2) Yes. It is different. No one seems to recommend it.

3) Probably just the 4th. DLR has smaller parks. So it usually feels more crowded than WDW because the walkways are narrower. However, I think you will be surprised how wait times at DLR tend to be significantly shorter than at WDW. So in that way it feels less crowded.

This may be worth reading: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

It is getting a little out of date and I need to revise it, just have not found time!

 

[sasywtch]

I have stayed at the DLH a few times but found for us, the price difference wasn't worth it as some of the motels on the Harbor side are a closer walk. The early entry in addition to the ones on the park hopper pass is worth it to some to stay within Disney. That would be something you would need to decide if it's worth it.
We have stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn, Fairfiled Inn and Anaheim Plaza Inn on the Harbor side.

I've never done the dining plan but heard it's not worth it. When we did our 10 night trip to WDW, it was so stressful figuring out when/where we were going to eat and on which day. The luxury with DL is you just find a place when you are hungry (except Blue Bayou and not sure after CA Adventure as we never eat inside there). We did make a reservation on the same day for Carnation Cafe to try the fried pickles and potato soup. We got pictures taken with Oscar.

 

[YukonMommy]

1. I would suggest a good neighbor hotel across the street, way cheaper depending which you pick and close walking distance.

2. never done the meal plan, but as others have said its more convenient to eat when and where you want. There are a lot of choices. You do need a reservation for the Blue Bayou, Carnation Café or Character Meals and that can be done 60 days out, or sometimes within the same week or day!

3. sorry do not know an answer for this!

Have a magical time!

 

[agamble]

I think they discontinued the Disneyland dining plan. In any case it was/is nothing like WDW. Dining is a lot easier at Disneyland. There are fewer places to eat, but the quick service food is good too.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If the dining plan is still around at DLR, it isn't a good value because you don't get change with your vouchers. For example, if you buy something for $4.50 and pay with a $5.00 voucher, you don't get change. It is better to budget your food expenses (round up!) and put the money on Disney gift cards. Then you will know exactly how much you are spending, you will get the exact value for your money, and you can reload the cards if necessary.

 

[chickapin parterre]

July 1st to july 4th will be very busy, probably the worst in the decade. This weekend makes for a great vacation relief, as only Monday is the only day needed to use a vacation day from work, so makes for an economical use of earned employment privileges. The rain over the winter, the population density compared to orlando allows for more folks To spontaneously show up at the gates and the closures and fear of what may lay ahead in the future of Disneyland could have everyone cashing in their chips for this July 4th disneyland vacation.

 

[cruisehopeful]

1) are the three resorts the best place to stay? Are the good neighbor hotels much cheaper? What are your recommendations?

Anywhere off site is much cheaper. You don't need a good neighbor hotel, either. The Disney Hotels are priced outrageously. They are worth it if you plan to use the early morning entry. My family normally sleeps through that time. You can get a lot done during the early morning entry, but is it worth $500 or $600/night? Not sure about that. Depending on how many days you are staying, it could be a better deal to book a VIP tour and stay offsite for $200. or less/night.

3) will the week of the Fourth of July be super busy? Or just the 4th? How does a busy crowd at Disneyland compare to a busy crowd at magic kingdom?

It will be very busy. Disneyland has been very busy/crowded pretty much constantly. I don't know how it compares to Magic Kingdom, but with the park hours being so long, you can still get plenty of stuff, even on the really crowded days.