Disneyland newbie needs your help

[momtimesone]

Hi everyone my name is Tracy and for the past 3 yrs I have been a WDW visitor. I have the planning down and can visit WDW with my eyes closed. On our first trip I did tons of research and so when we finally went I was at home. This time around My son has decided that we should give WDW a rest and try something new. My first thought was why not Disneyland. My Questions are many so sorry for this. I am a total newbie to Disneyland and planning for a trip there and I need some experts here on Dis to give me the knowledge I need to make our trip a good one. First off are there any good guidebooks out there that you can recomend for me to check out to research the parks and hotels nearby more? Where should we stay without breaking the bank? We are a family of two females and one boy age 9. We have always done the value resorts and so those are within my price range. I want to be close to the park but at a good rate. What is the best month to visit Disneyland? How long should we go for? I would like to visit knott's berry farm and Both Disneyland parks while there.Is there a way to prepay for everything like I do with Disney world packages? Do I have to rent a car? because believe it or not I have never rented a car before.As you can see I am totally new at this but am up for a challenge and really excited at seeing the first Disney park and Can't wait to get started planning. Any advice is more then welcome and thank you so very much for helping me understand this new and exciting adventure.

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the DLR board. Here's a thread that will get you started:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Print the abreviation page & then start reading the rest of the threads in order. Lots & lots of info. After reading you'll be back asking alot of specific questions.

Hi everyone my name is Tracy and for the past 3 yrs I have been a WDW visitor. I have the planning down and can visit WDW with my eyes closed. On our first trip I did tons of research and so when we finally went I was at home. This time around My son has decided that we should give WDW a rest and try something new. My first thought was why not Disneyland. My Questions are many so sorry for this. I am a total newbie to Disneyland and planning for a trip there and I need some experts here on Dis to give me the knowledge I need to make our trip a good one. First off are there any good guidebooks out there that you can recomend for me to check out to research the parks and hotels nearby more? Where should we stay without breaking the bank?

There are 4-6 nice hotel/motels on Harbor Blvd across the street from the gates that will fill the bill. Read many of the posts over the past few days here to get a feel for them.

We are a family of two females and one boy age 9. We have always done the value resorts and so those are within my price range. I want to be close to the park but at a good rate. What is the best month to visit Disneyland? How long should we go for?

To enjoy DLR properly, i would consider a minimum of 3 1/2 days to 5 days.

I would like to visit knott's berry farm and Both Disneyland parks while there.Is there a way to prepay for everything like I do with Disney world packages? Do I have to rent a car? because believe it or not I have never rented a car before.As you can see I am totally new at this but am up for a challenge and really excited at seeing the first Disney park and Can't wait to get started planning. Any advice is more then welcome and thank you so very much for helping me understand this new and exciting adventure.

Here's another thread with good info:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[Capt.Bane]

There are several Hotels right arcoss the street from the Disneyland..but if your used to staying at the Value Resorts in WDW you might be able to afford an on Property room. The original Disneyland Hotel,The Grand Californian, and Paradise Pier are the three. Not sure of room prices or service as we've never stayed there.

Camelot Inn was our last stay, and in 12 days we'll be staying at Ho Jo's.

You can arrange everything (including travel at least plane tickets) through the Disney Travel Company.

Camelot Inn. Room 404 our 5 year old (will be six two days before we leave) was able to fall asleep watching the fireworks. It was a great room. But they have daily clean policy. (just means that you have to leave for the park for a bit...lol)

Anyway hope that helps a bit!

 

[mAlien13]

First of all, momtimesone, HI! and Welcome! I was very similar to you just a few years ago. I went to Disneyland a lot as a child, but my DH and I started taking our two DS's to WDW when they were 2 and 4, and we just kept going. In 2005, we decided it was time to go to DLR...and now we by far and away prefer it. We will still visit WDW, but there is something so extra magical about the original...you and your family are in for a treat!

You may be surprised as you plan to see how many things are different. First of all, the way that DLR is set up, there are many off-site hotels that are within walking distance. It really opens up your options of where to stay. Anaheim hotels tend to be more expensive than Orlando, in my experience, so it is great to have options! Some people feel it is still better to stay on-site in order to achieve the full 'immersed in Disney; experience, while others (myself included) think it better to stay off-site for most trips, because it is quite a savings, and some off-site hotels are within closer walking distance than the on-site.

Renting a car is really whether or not you want to visit other attractions as well. It is easy to stay close and walk to DLR, and just take a shuttle or car service to and from the airport, so you only need other transportation if you are visiting other places. There are even bus tour packages that will take you to those, if you really want to avoid renting a car.

Some threads you must visit:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1748081

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

The top two are my fav on the topic. The great thing about the DIS boards is we all love to talk about this! You will find everything you need here. I hope you have a great time planning and visiting Disneyland!

 

[Tiinkerbelle]

I visit Disneyland every year, even 2 times a year sometimes. I've been there 21+ times it's great.

Our last visit we were a little crunched on money but still found ways to go. We stayed at the Best Western directly across the street from the crosswalk to walk into the park. We rented a shuttle from the airport to our hotel for I believe $50. You could also rent a car, a little bit more money, but this makes it easier for going to other theme parks, like knotts berry farm.

There is quite a few good neighbor hotels along that stretch of street. This time around I'm staying at the carousel inn and suites, looks like a beautiful hotel right across from the park.
There is a good neighbor hotel map on the disneyland website, under "Plan", "Resort Map", on the right bottom corner click "Good Neighbor".
In my experience, the best time to go is in march-may excluding spring break. There's a lot less crowds then in the holiday, and summer seasons, meaning lower prices. One year we were able to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, in a 1 bedroom suite, for 5 days, for only $1,500 including park tickets.

Through the Disneyland website, you have the option to choose other activities to add to your package, including those close theme park tickets, and other fun activities around the LA/San Diego area.

Laaastly, for a first visit I would go for 5 days. It takes a while to take it all in!
Hope any of this helps.

 

[PinkBudgie]

If you did only Dinseyland you could manage without a car. You could walk or take a bus or shuttle to park. My DH wanted to go to Knott's too this summer until we read the reviews of Trip Advisor for it. It just doesn't seem as well kept up as when we were kids. So we skipped it. If you do go, save Disneyland for last.

A guide book I really enjoyed reading before our last trip to DLR was The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. It had plans for going rides, it told you what each ride was like for different ages, and also gave restaurant reviews. AND it is just an amusing book to read. I have been to DLR many times over the years, but I still got a lot out of it and I plan on buying the 2009 edition.

 

[mystic_path]

First off are there any good guidebooks out there that you can recomend for me to check out to research the parks?

Just go to a local book store and go to the Travel section. Any book on Disneyland will be helpful to some degree, but they all still leaving you with questions, so I suggest just having a peek to see what they have then come back here and ask more questions. Disboards I find is WAY more helpful then any guide book out there.

Hotels nearby? Where should we stay without breaking the bank?

Well the good thing about Disneyland is that there are some AWESOME hotels super close (Walking distance) to the park. Ones I would recommend highly are the Howard Johnson and the Tropicana. The Park Vue inn was recently renovated and is probably one of the closest out of those hotels. Its good if you just need a place to rest and shower. Those hotels are surrounded by restaruants as well.

What is the best month to visit Disneyland?

Everyone has a different opinion on this, if you dont mind a bit of rain and the fact that some rides can be down with referb then earlier in the year from january-April but the plus side is that there are relatively low crowds.

Good months for weather and lower crowds are May and the end of Sept.


How long should we go for?

To see it all? I would suggest 4 days to see DL/DCA/Downtown Disney. Keep in mind that if you want to catch shows such as the fireworks, fantasmic, or the Aladdin musical, those run only on weekends



I would like to visit knott's berry farm while there.

I would suggest looking into Anaheim Grayline bus tours. They have some tours that go to Knotts. The bus picks you up from your hotel, takes you to the park and picks you back up at the end of the day at Knotts and brings you back to your hotel. You do not have to worry about renting a car. They have loads of tour packages to even Universal, Sea World, Sandiego Zoo, LA/ Hollywood tours etc.

Is there a way to prepay for everything like I do with Disney world packages?

Yep, if you buy your package through Disneyland website you can get your flight/hotel/dining reservations and everything put all together. But look into other options such as booking a flight and hotel off "Orbitz, or Travelocity" (2 great cheaper sites) and then look into park tickets. You can get really great discounted tickets at www.getawaytoday.com

I usually find booking things seperately a bit cheaper.

Do you need to rent a car?

No its not necessary, unless you like your freedom to drive wherever you like. Then I would recommend Avis for rentals. But like I mentioned if you call Grayline they can hook you up with tickets to different attractions (Grayline you have to book seperately if you are buying a prepackaged Disney vacation), and with Grayline you get all round trip transporation.

If you are needing a ride from the airport to your hotel, and from your hotel back to the airport, you can get transportation by "Anaheim Super Shuttle". For $10 a person one way you get your transportation to and from your hotel. Just call them up and make reservations.

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[coruth4]

This will be helpful for me also! I am currently planning a Grand Gathering to WDW for December '09 but am in the very beginning process of planning a Disneyland trip for summer 2011 (far away I know - but I know NOTHING about Disneyland).

So this thread will get me pointed in the right direction also! Thanks!

 

[momtimesone]

Ok I am looking at going in January010 and this is really helping me. I know its a long way off but I am a major planner and it gives me a big reason to be on this site non stop. I can't wait and my son is excited to see Walt Disney's fist park. Thanks for making things so easy to research and making me feel welcome to the Disneyland side of the boards. May you all have magical vacations

 

[DISNEYNY]

I have been to WDW 9 years in a row. My kids want to go to DL and I know nothing. I know so much about WDW...this is kinda scary for me!! Thanks for the info.

 

[Disney Dreams]

You have some really good "starting information" here. I am the exact opposite of you: I can do DLR in my sleep and am heading to WDW for the first time in 12 years in a little over a week... so I understand how you are feeling!

Once you review much of what people have said above, post back here with specific questions ndd eole will help you out.

After doing my WDW research and feeling (sort of) ready, I can tell you that LR is MUCH simpler.

Don't worry too much about PS ressies (DL's version of ADR's) unless you plan on eating at the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, and a few other really popular places. If in doubt, ask here and people will guide you well.

DLR is VERY basic compared to WDW.

You have Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, and DtD. ALL THREE are a very short walk to each other. You don't shuttle between them. At the same time, you don't want to jum back and forth btw DL and DCA every hour. To further explain: Plan a day at DCA. When it closes, walk over to DL to close out the evening. Plan a day at Disneyland... and just stay there. That said, it is a less than 5 minute walk from the front gate of DL to the front gate of DCA.

Hope this helps a bit. You will love the simplicity of DLR compared to WDW!

Excited for you and your upcoming visit,
Dreams

 

[S. S. Columbia]

FWIW, here are direct links to some on-line maps:

DLR web-site:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/map/map?bhcp=1

DL:
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/DLPLowbandMap.pdf

DL (March 2008):
www.willcad.org/disney_maps.shtml#dlr

DCA:
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/DCALowbandMap.pdf

DCA (March 2008):
www.willcad.org/disney_maps.shtml#dlr

DTD:
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/DTDLowbandMap.pdf

Parking and Transportation:
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/ParkingLowbandMap.pdf

Wikimapia:
www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8120205&lon=-117.9193282&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2

Virtual Earth from Microsoft:
http://local.live.com/default.aspx?...t=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=6773065&encType=1

Good Neighbor Hotels (this map may be somewhat out of date):
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/GNHLowbandMap.pdf

Guest Services*:
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/GuestServicesLowbandMap.pdf

* Guest Services: ATMs, Baby Centers, First Aid, Kennel, Lockers, Lost & Found, Smoking Areas, Stroller Rentals, Typewriter Phones

Old Theme Park maps (old DL maps):
http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/mainmaps.html#ad

HTH

 

[Leofoenget]

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

We like Desert Inn and Suites. Large Suite rooms, indoor pool, walking distance (across the street) free cont breakfast.

HOJOs is good for a 9 year old boy with the new Pirate Water play area. Did you say January? Might want to go with the indoor pool.

anyhoo best way imo is to stay across the street so you dont' have to drive in and park.

 

[got2gp]

Ok I am looking at going in January010 and this is really helping me. I know its a long way off but I am a major planner and it gives me a big reason to be on this site non stop. I can't wait and my son is excited to see Walt Disney's fist park. Thanks for making things so easy to research and making me feel welcome to the Disneyland side of the boards. May you all have magical vacations

You will have a great time exploring DL. It is the original and has a charm that is missing in all of the other parks. Don't get me wrong we loved our visits to WDW, but DL is just ahh,...the best. We are locals who visit several times a year (sometimes 2 to 3 times a month). January is a great time to visit, crowd wise, as long as you avoid the first few days of Jan and the MLK weekend. DL, unlike WDW, has a huge local fan base, so weekends are normaly much busier than weekdays. Just be prepared for ride closures, no fireworks on weekdays, and possibly some cold and/or rainy weather. Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in Southern California, mostly from December to March. Oh, and if Small World or Haunted Mansion are on your list of must dos, be forewarned that they will both go down early in Jan for removal of their holiday overlays. Check the DL website for more info on ride closures and park hours so you can plan accordingly.

 

[Malela9]

I am a life long ( I am not kidding about this) visitor to DL. I have an annual pass and I get my money's worth out of that puppy. DL is soooo pretty during the holidays, we have Haunted Mansion Holiday and Small World Holiday. Plus, it just seems so festive to be there. However, it can be quite crowded.
January at DL is not crowded, but the weather is very unpredictable. Weekends are always pretty packed, but not horrible. If you are patient and take your time, you can see everything . Enjoy the little details that are missing from the parks at WDW. We have Walt's hand prints on our park and that is what makes DL so special. Don't compare, just appreciate.
Have fun!

 

[jenpok]

I'm so glad to find this thread. We just firmed up our first trip to DL for a family Christmas gathering. I know it will be crowded over Christmas but we're prepared for that. I live just outside Orlando so WDW is all we know so I'm a little overwhelmed. I hope to see lots of good advice and tips.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... I hope to see lots of good advice and tips.

Be sure to take a look at the previously posted threads. They're really good.

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

WDW Vet, Live at DL for the first time: So, what's it like? Here's the review:
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1748081

HydroGuy Tips Compilation
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

ºoº Attractions Unique to Disneyland & California Adventure from WDW
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

ºoº IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ: DLR FAQS - INFO, MAPS, HOTELS ºoº
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

Hope that helps.

 

[Lei]

I'm newbie to BOTH WDW and DLR yet I'm visiting them both next November. For the FIRST time. Talk about being overwhelmed!

I've done my research for WDW but haven't started anything for DLR. Haven't even read my spankin' new 2009 DLR Unofficial Guidebook

This thread is a godsend. I'm subbing

 

[michelle1]

We just visited DL after many WDW trips. For those of you who will be doing a mix of DL and WDW in the next little while I would recommend buying a WDW non expiring multi day ticket...we bought a 10 day one last WDW trip knowing we would be doing DL this year and it was more economical since you can use it at both parks. To the OP who is used to the value resorts, there is nothing in that price range (or the moderate price range) on Disney property but I would suggest staying at one of the places across the street on Harbor Blvd. It is very convenient to be able to leave the park and go back to your hotel and rest, change, swim, or whatever and then return to the parks. There are also several places to eat outside of the parks amongst those hotels. We stayed at the Howard Johnsons and it was very nice and about a 7 minute walk. I loved DL for the fact that is is the original, it's compact and there are some rides there that aren't at MK. My kids, however, preferred WDW because they like the 4 different parks, the resort, the waterparks, etc. One thing I noticed is that because DL is smaller it was quite congested waiting for parades, fireworks and just walking around so if I was to go again I would choose a quieter time of year.

 

[jenpok]

we bought a 10 day one last WDW trip knowing we would be doing DL this year and it was more economical since you can use it at both parks. QUOTE]

Is that true? I was always told they did not work at both parks. Does that work for APs also? That would be way cool!! I have now started a binder with all the great tips from those links. Thanks so much! Can't wait for more.