Disneyland newbie help

[StellaMoosh]

Hey guys! My family has been to WDW mannnny times and we need to take a visit to the west! We are considering taking that oppurtunity to stop in Disneyland!
Ok, I have some questions that I hope some people could answer.

What hotel to stay at? On site hotels? Off site?
How long should we stay for?
What kind of tickets should we get? And does the Costco deal still work?
Do we eat in the parks, or not?
FINALLY: Is it worth the money? Or should we go somewhere else in Cali and save the money for a future Disney cruise or WDW trip?

Thank you for your time! All answers are appreciated greatly!

 

[Sereina]

We stay at one of the Good Neighbor hotels across the street from the parks. They're quite a bit cheaper than the resort hotels and you can walk to the parks.

I would suggest a minimum of four days in the parks, but the more the better. My family and I spend six days in the parks.

Yes, Disneyland is definitely worth it! Just do your research ahead of time and you'll have a great trip!

 

[Huff]

Disneyland Resort is AWESOME but its not Disney World. Its a very different unique experience. Neither is better than the other, just different.

If you can afford it stay onsite at one of the three Disney resorts. If not, then there are off site alternatives some in walking distance. Unlike WDW, Disneylands 2 parks, 3 resorts and downtown Disney are all in walking distance from each other. No need to waste time on buses, boats or monorails. Its easy to park hop back and forth several times in one day.

For dining we prefer to eat in Downtown Disney or at one of the resorts. In park is often expensive and quality just ok. The character dining in the parks is decent. You can also take a short shuttle over to the restaurants and shops at nearby Garden Walk.

We always stay offsite as the Disney resorts are out of our price range. We also do not stay at the resorts in walking distance. While some are quite nice we don't need the ability to walk (for day breaks etc.). Resorts a few miles away are much nicer and much more affordable for us and we have a car. If you have kids and need to take day breaks, swim etc. then one of the resorts across from DLR along Harbor blvd. is your best bet. HoJo's is by far the most recommended.

Three days is the minimum to see almost everything in the two parks unless going at an extremely quiet time of year. Three would be rushed but doable. Four days is recommended so you can enjoy without going commando style. There are about 80% as many rides, shows and attractions at DLR in two parks as WDW's 4 parks. With Carsland opening in June that gap will narrow.

 

[blackjackdelta]

You may want to read thru the stickies at the top of the DLR board and here is one that has been extremely helpful to WDW people..
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Jack

 

[Liray777]

I'm a WDW vet as well and I can tell you DLR is definately worth it! It's a whole different experience but so similar in "feel" at the same time. DL park itself is much more intimate than the MK in my opinion with many more attractions. With DCA's renovation nearing completion it only makes it that much more worth it. My wife and i always stay at the DLH for 6 nights, with a 5 day park hopper(spend arrival day relaxing). While GCH is very very nice, we find much more disney magic and touches in the DLH. The renovation of the hotel is wonderful as well. We cant stand staying off property as its much different from WDW as the DLR is right in the middle of Anaheim. So if staying "in the magic" and "the bubble" matters to you it is a must. As far as eating in the parks or not...We always grab breakfast on the way to the gates in DTD, and eat mainly counter service meals in the parks for lunch and dinner. We rarely exceed $80 a day in food for the two of us doing it that way. About Costco tix, dnt quote me but i read somewhere on here that they aren't doing that this year...there are a few sites to find slightly discounted park hoppers but i find it much easier to just buy them seperately from our room from Disney. Hope you decide to give the original a try and that this may of helped some

 

[StellaMoosh]

Thanks everyone! After reading these wonderful responses, we are looking at Disneyland with a new perspective!
Thanks again

 

[KCmike]

oops

 

[KCmike]

Disneyland is far and away the best Disney park. It is also Walt's park and the original. You will get instantly hooked as this WDW vet did.

3-4 days minimum. Get park hoppers because its so easy to go back and forth unlike WDW.

It is so worth the money! If you decide to make it a longer vacation you should couple it with a San Diego visit or something else in California (Monterey, San Francisco, or Yosemite National Park (my favorite!). Make sure you go to the ocean for a true SoCal experience.

When we ask my kids, now 16, 14, and 14 where they want to go they always come back with C A L I F O R N I A!! They love Disneyland and San Diego. Especially the Hotel Del Coronado (think Grand Floridian before it was ever a dream) in San Diego. A perfect combination.

Oh and stay onsite if you can afford it. Grand Californian is the best.