Disneyland newbie needs your help

[mickeygaga]

This thread could not have come at a better time! As a WDW frequent flier, dh said we should take the kids some where different. OK-I said DL, and he took the bait. We are going this Dec. Family lives in Phoenix so I am trying to incorporate a drive there too. We have a family of six (and dh can be picky) so where would we fit best as far as DL hotels? Is there a link with the offsite properties addresses? I have always booked and planned our trips to WDW and find that I save alot of $$ this way so I would like to plan this trip on my own too. Gosh I feel so overwhelmed an know that the links you guys provide will help, but I like hearing first hand experiences. How far is the closest airport to DL? And lastly, is there a character meal in DL that differs from the character meals at WDW. We have been to them all and would love to make our trip to DL a different experience. Thanks and I will be lurking for awhile!

 

[Hound 109]

This thread could not have come at a better time! As a WDW frequent flier, dh said we should take the kids some where different. OK-I said DL, and he took the bait. We are going this Dec. Family lives in Phoenix so I am trying to incorporate a drive there too. We have a family of six (and dh can be picky) so where would we fit best as far as DL hotels?

Check the links above. Family of Six would probably be best in a suite at one of the Harbor Hotels at the crosswalk (unless you want 2 $250 DLH rooms)

Is there a link with the offsite properties addresses?

Don't need adresses, look at the map links above. Best to nab a hotel room (or rooms) where you can "use your feet".

I have always booked and planned our trips to WDW and find that I save alot of $$ this way so I would like to plan this trip on my own too. Gosh I feel so overwhelmed an know that the links you guys provide will help, but I like hearing first hand experiences.

The links above ARE first hand experiences & have been condensed with ALOT of info....& all the comments above are spot on.

How far is the closest airport to DL?

John Wayne is 10 miles....LAX about 40 miles.

And lastly, is there a character meal in DL that differs from the character meals at WDW.

There are several. Lurk back a few pages & you'll see posts on Character Meals.


We have been to them all and would love to make our trip to DL a different experience. Thanks and I will be lurking for awhile!

It WILL be different.....& magical. I've been to WDW 4 times & DLR 5 times & much prefer the original. But even if you end of preferring WDW, a visit to DLR can be magical. Just remember the Castle is VERY small.

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

 

[Hound 109]

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

I agree completely with this post except for what's highlighted above. IMO, for the out of town visitor who is spending 2-4 days at DLR it's best to:

- Start your day at DL (get there before opening or MM).
- Tour & collect FPs for 2-4 hours.
- Hop to DCA (or take your break)
- Take your break (or tour DCA for 2-4 hours.
- Back to DL in the evening with the 3-5 FPs you collected in the morning.
- Rinse & repeat each day.

(the times might deviate depending on parades & events etc., but the touring strategy is a good one to pencil in.) Here's a thread with alot of opinions on why many Diser's "Hop" at DLR (even if you don't at WDW).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

 

[michelle1]

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.

I don't think it is valid for APs but definitely regular WDW park tickets..we used 3 days out of our 10 day hopper pass.

 

[mickeygaga]

Boy oh Boy I have alot of research to do!! Thanks for the tips! I am going to treat our trip to DL as new experience, meaning I am not going to compare it to WDW, but enjoy it for what it is. I cannot wait for our new adventure, and honestly planning is part of the fun too!

 

[jenpok]

I don't think it is valid for APs but definitely regular WDW park tickets..we used 3 days out of our 10 day hopper pass.

You are right. I actually called DL and they said you can use unused WDW tickets but not AP's. Total bummer. I was very excited for a minute.

 

[mAlien13]

Tip for anyone, I love the way the hotels are laid out in TUGTDL! The are ranked by price, by a rating of price vs. value, and there is a great map that shows you where each one is in relation to DL. Then, it is followed by a list that shows the name, address, web-site if they have one, and the direct phone number. I always call the hotels directly when I am checking rates, sometimes that can give you a better rate.

Because the map in the book shows a lot of the hotels in the area, you want to make sure it is actually a short, and convenient, walk. It can be deceiving if you just use travel sites, because they may list the hotel as 'across the street' or 'less than a mile' when in fact that is only as the crow flies...the roads may take much longer and be further out of the way.

 

[avalon451]

Tip for anyone, I love the way the hotels are laid out in TUGTDL! The are ranked by price, by a rating of price vs. value, and there is a great map that shows you where each one is in relation to DL. Then, it is followed by a list that shows the name, address, web-site if they have one, and the direct phone number. I always call the hotels directly when I am checking rates, sometimes that can give you a better rate.

Because the map in the book shows a lot of the hotels in the area, you want to make sure it is actually a short, and convenient, walk. It can be deceiving if you just use travel sites, because they may list the hotel as 'across the street' or 'less than a mile' when in fact that is only as the crow flies...the roads may take much longer and be further out of the way.

Unofficial Guide sits by my computer, for quick references for phone numbers, addresses, and all kinds of other stuff. My 2008 copy is pretty dog-eared by now!

An online map reference that I love is Bret's Disneyland Lodging LinkMap: http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html You just click the hotel's name to be taken directly to their website. And it shows what's close and what's not.

 

[mAlien13]

An online map reference that I love is Bret's Disneyland Lodging LinkMap: http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html You just click the hotel's name to be taken directly to their website. And it shows what's close and what's not.

OOOH, yeah, I forgot about that! Great source.

With the copies of TUG, mine get so beat up! I just bought the 2009, and haven't even cracked it yet. But soon, it shall be covered in highlighter, post-its and the spine will show all kind of 'love creases!' My kids just call it 'Mom's book,' everyone here knows which one they mean!

 

[jenpok]

I just got my TUG and just started reading it! I know it was a great resource when we first started going to WDW.

Has anyone taken the ART or busses around?

 

[avalon451]

Jenpok, take a look at those tips threads posted above. Especially Hydroguy's. Lots of people around here have taken ART and done ok with it, but many vets swear by staying within walking distance. See "Hydroguy's Hotel Rule." If you can stay across the street, do it. It's SO worth it not to have to wait for ART. 5 minutes on your own feeties and you're there.

Just my opinion.