Disneyland Rookie Needs Help

[dvc guy]

We are heading west to DL this August for a 10 day So Cal trip and are planning on spending 2 night and 1 day at DL. We are DVC members and have made 10 trips to WDW. I am clueless about DL. We want to park hop for one day and try to hit the rides/shows they don't have at WDW. I need help with dinner resverations should I plan on eating in the park, any places in D/T disney?
I could use help with a hotel. I am booked in the Best Western Park Place in a mini suite for 79 per night. How close is it really to DL and is the hotel ok. I don't need fancy , but want clean and confortable.

All answers and suggestions are welcome

 

[nursemelis374]

I would for sure get a PS for the Blue Bayou. You will love it!!!

 

[lap3]

I don't know much about off-site hotels so I'm unable to help you there. For dinner, are you looking for character dining, something casual, etc? Goofy's Kitchen is one of our favorites for character dining and is located in the DLH. Another one is the Blue Bayou inside the DL park. Here's a list of restaurants in DTD. Rainforest Cafe, ESPN Zone, Tortilla Jo's are the only ones we've tried and enjoyed.

Are you bringing any kids? If so, what are the ages?

 

[LuvTigger]

BW Park Place is VERY convenient -- right across the street from the walkway to the entrances to the parks. It's been a while since I stayed there, but it was clean and comfortable, and it has a very good reputation. And you got an excellent price too!

 

[darlene9947]

Does anyone know how any people can stay in one of the mini suites at the Best Western? My grandson, his mom, aunt, other grandmother and great-grandmother will be in San Diego 4/30 - 5/8/05. They are looking to spend 2 nights in Anaheim. When I went to the website, the rooms have 2 queen beds and 1 sofabed...enough for 5. When I entered the info to check the rates I got a message saying that the number of guests exceeded the room limits. I can't believe they have sleep space for 5 but they will only book for 4 people.
Thanks,
Darlene

 

[poohj80]

We are DVC members and have made 10 trips to WDW. I am clueless about DL.

We are also DVC members and will be traveling to DL in May for the first time in 10 years. I am assuming you joined DVC because you like the accommodations it provides at WDW. If so, I would suggest staying on-site at DL if it is within your budget for the same reasons you probably like staying on-site at WDW. We're staying at the Grand Californian and can't wait!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Can I ask why such a short time out of a 10 day trip? If that is really all you can fit in personally I would only eat counter service so I wouldn't waste any time!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Well, the POTC at DL is different from at WDW, so I would recommend that. Indiana Jones, the Mattherhorn, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride are a few more that you might want to ride if you get the chance, because they're not at WDW. See the Aladdin show, and the Snow White show. I'm afraid that's the extent of my knowledge. I agree with everyone else that you should try the Blue Bayou--make sure to get PS!

 

[ibouncetoo]

I've been out of the DLR ticket buying loop a little lately, but I'd make SURE you can even get a one day park hopper. That used to be something that was only available as part of special offers and the like. I know last Sept I was able (as an AP holder) to buy one day hoppers for my guest. Hopefully everyone can get one now, but like I say......make sure, in advance.

 

[iceskatejen]

The one-day hopper is now the main ticket they sell at the ticket booths. That's what's shown in big, bold letters. And it's one-day one-park also available in smaller letters.

 

[ibouncetoo]

I'm so glad to hear that.....now it will be easier to to convince friends to do a 'weekend turnaround' with me if they can hit both parks on a Saturday.

 

[dvc guy]

Thanks to everyone who has answered.
Looks like Blue Bayou is on the list along with Goofy's kitchen.
poohj80 I would love to stay on site but I am booked for WDW over Christmas and short on points. DD and DS and I would love to visit for 3 days, but DW wants to see other stuff and it looks like we have a full plate of things....10 days goes quick
Keep the suggestions coming