Disneyland First Timers!

[mastersd]

We have been to Disneyworld a number of times, but never disneyland. We would like to go Mar17-Mar23. I have a lot of questions!! Please help.
1) Without a crystal ball...will the crowds be terrible? How long will we have to wait for different attractions? I've learned to take a peek about Disneyworld with touringplans.com
2)Does anyone have tricks for cheap airfare from Detroit or Buffalo?
3)Should we get that Southern California Pass?Where is the cheapest place?
4)We are a family of 5--Where should we stay?Are most area hotels good. Could I take a chance with Hotwire.com?
Thanks--Help

 

[Huff]

We have been to Disneyworld a number of times, but never disneyland. We would like to go Mar17-Mar23. I have a lot of questions!! Please help.
1) Without a crystal ball...will the crowds be terrible? How long will we have to wait for different attractions? I've learned to take a peek about Disneyworld with touringplans.com
2)Does anyone have tricks for cheap airfare from Detroit or Buffalo?
3)Should we get that Southern California Pass?Where is the cheapest place?
4)We are a family of 5--Where should we stay?Are most area hotels good. Could I take a chance with Hotwire.com?
Thanks--Help

The 17th-19th should be moderatly busy but not packed. The 20th through 23rd should be lighter than average.

For airfare try using www.kayak.com or www.farecast.com. Both sights search numerous airfare sources and are great at finding the lowest fare. They do not show the more local airlines such as Southwest which may have lower fairs. If Southwest flies to your area then use their DING service and hopefully a bargain fare will show up there.

Disneyland is surrounded by metropolitan city. Directly across the street are non-Disney hotels, restaurants etc. Most are decent. I've used Priceline to get great rates. Always select at least a 2 1/2 star. $50-$80 seems average for a 3 star non-peak season hotel.

The Southern California pass is a great deal depending on what you wish to do. Universal Studios is about 45mins (non rush hour) drive north. Sea World is 1 1/2 hour drive south. Both are worth visits and in my opinion far superior to their Florida counterparts.

Other ticket choices would be the Disneyland Deluxe annual pass from California Costco's. They are same as gate price ($269 adult) but come with a $50 Disney cash card good anywhere in Disneyland Resort.

 

[trodrigue]

For airfare, I prefer the sight airfarewatchdog.com I set it as my homepage and check daily, but it also emails you if you set it up that way.

Read the boards regarding hotels: There is a ton of reviews. Favorites are HOJO and CCI. Also DLR has been extending pretty good rates, and they may have some at that time, if they don't get booked up.

Must Reads to work the parks effectively would be Hydro Guys sticky at the top of the page.

I have done the Southern California Pass, and to me, it requires a lot of stamina. I would not do it again, but I prefer to have some level of relaxation in my vacations, so plan for a longer more leisurely pace, just at DLR.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. I have been to the World, and love it, but I must say I prefer the more intiimate size of DLR any old day.