Disneyland

[disneykins]

Going to DL in July. After 16 trips to WDW its about time we did the west coast. Dont know much about DL. Anyone know if there are any DVC discounts? We're hoping to use points for one of the hotels, any suggestions or comments? Is it worth it to stay onsite, I heard there is no real benefit like there is in Fla. Other hotels are close enough to walk and there is no early open. What would the benefits be to staying onsite?
Thanks
Tony

 

[canda]

When I was 12 years old, my mom took my sis and I onto the monorail at Disneyland. Just to show us Disneyland as part of our sightseeing trip. We rode from the parking lot, through the "Land" and back to the car. that was all we saw and did at Disneyland. We were upset, (but we did not say anything) I have never been able to get back to Disneyland. I can only get to WDW. Even though I have traveled the world and have stayed in the best places, I seem to never be able to get to Disneyland.

 

[ceejay13]

We just spent a week at DL the last of April. We love DL and in particular the Grand Californian Hotel. Although we used points once, we seen to be using them up in Florida so have paid cash for the last 3 years we have stayed there. It is expense for either points or cash but you will not find the same experience at WDW. If you get a theme park view you actually look right out into DCA. We either get a theme park view overlooking Grizzly River Rapids or ask for a Downtown Disney view. We like both but am a little partial to being right in the middle of the park. Noise has never been a problem. When you shut the patio door you do not hear any outside noises. The rest of the hotel is beautiful, the same architect as the WL in Florida but more in the Arts and Crafts theme as opposed to more wilderness. We have also stayed at the DLH and it is very nice also. For us, like WDW, staying on site makes it much more of a WDW feel and gives more of that Disney magic. DL is much more manageable size wise and you really never need your car unless you decide to see some of the many other tourist attractions either in LA or San Diego. One piece of advice I give to anyone staying several days as opposed to a one day trip is to have one of your adult party get an AP. There are no DVC discounts at DL but the APs give you an incredible amount of shopping, dining, and lodging discounts. We have saved enough on our rooms at the GC to pay for the extra the AP costs. It will need to be the premium AP to get the most for your money and I think they are running about $225. You also get a 10%discount on almost all purchases over $10 and the same with almost all the restaurants at both parks and DD. You also receive one 20% coupon for one purchase. We try and do one big shopping stop at the World of Disney store at DD and use it for that purchase. We also get APs at WDW but DL gives many more practical discounts on a daily basis than you get with your WDW passes. Another tip I would give you is to make PS at the Blue Bayou restaurant for the earliest lunch or dinner. This is another experience not found at WDW. This is a restaurant along the river banks leading to Pirates of the Carribbean. The ambiance is great and if you can get a seat close to the water, you can watch the boats go by, look at the houses along the water, see the moon and listen to the crickets. It is definitely different that WDW. If you like tours, don't miss the Walk in Walt's Footsteps. They retrace much of the history of Walt in the DL park. Again, something not done at WDW. As you can see we are DL fans. Don't get me wrong, we are true DVCers and love our WDW but try and make a yearly trip to DL, as well. I think you will love it.

 

[JimC]

DL is much more compact that WDW. It has its own unique charm. Many of the common rides are different. We actually prefer Pirates at DL. We agree with the fine comments of Ceejay13, especially the Blue Bayou restaurant and the Walk in Walts Footsteps tour.

Our favorite resort is the GC. Next to AKL it is the best themed US Disney resort in our opinion. We get the upgraded views.

 

[tonyswife]

I agree with a lot of what has been said already. Although, we prefer the Disneyland Hotel to GC. The resort (GC) itself is just absolutely beautiful but we felt like the walls between the rooms were thin. We could hear the guy next door snoring and we could hear their conversations word for word. But, we have seen nothing but high praise for GC on here so maybe it's just us. <<shrug>> If you are a smoker, you probably won;t like GC as none of the rooms are smoking and you are not permitted to smoke on the balconies. That's just something to consider if it matters to you, it may not. (I'm not trying to start a debate, I just remember how adament they were that no one smoke on the balconies when we checked in, and we didn't even ask!)

The last time we were at DL, we had a one bedroom suite (on points) at the DLH. We had a great upper level (11th floor) corner suite with a view of neverland pool on one side and DTD on the otherside as well as a large balcony to sit on. The way the balconies are situated, they are very private, which is nice.

We have also stayed at Paradise Pier, the least expensive, point wise, of all three hotels. We like that one very much also. We didn;t have a great view, but my parents stayed in an upper level PP room that stay and they had such a fantastic view of the Paradise Pier area of California Adventure. It was especially beautiful at night when it was all lit up.

If you like character meals I have two suggestions. Goofy's Kitchen at the DLH has the most characters I have ever seen at a character dinner, and a fantastic selection on the buffet. Excellent experience there. The other is the character breakfast at PCH Grill at PP. We generally order off the menu instead of getting the buffet. It has never been especially crowded when we were there so we have always had a great experience with the characters coming to our table multiple times per meal.

 

[flyinglizard]

Hello Tony- Sorry, I'm not aware of any bennies for DVC members at DL.

But I would suggest you consider splurging some points on a two or three night stay at Grand Californian. Sure there are other hotels and motels around and within walking distance, but the GC is absolutely magnificent. If you are low on points, pay cash, I think you will agree it is worth it. The main benefit of staying there is that you will be blown away! Of course, you'll be spoiled forever.

Even though this is your first trip to DL, I'm sure you already realize where it fits in the history of Disney. Disneyland is NOT to be compared to Walt Disney World. DL was the first theme park, the dream come true of a great man. Walt Disney walked this park and mingled with guests. He enjoyed seeing the excitement in thier faces, and the pleasure they enjoyed. He was always looking for ways to make it better. He thought of it as "A happy place...".

Yeh, it's smaller and more compact. Over the years it has seen many changes to keep up with the times, but it still retains a character and charm you can't find at WDW. When you turn the corner around Town Square, you'll be surprised how small the castle appears. But as you walk down Main Street, I hope you will get the same feeling I do as I think about what Walt Disney accomplished here.

When Walt Disney World was conceived and then built, it was larger, better, and did not include the mistakes made at DL. There was room to grow without limitations. But there is a particular magic at DL that cannot not be found in Florida.

When you experience Disneyland for your first time, please do not compare it to the Magic Kingdom at WDW. Both parks were a dream come true, but Disneyland was the first, the bench mark, the original. It is where Disney magic was born.

When you check in at DVC in Florida, they always say "Welcome Home". On this first trip Disneyland, I hope that you'll realize you are "home".

Sorry for the long reply, but if what I have said helps you to enjoy your first time at Disneyland just a little more, it was worth my time and effort...

 

[Beca]

I don't want to start a debate here...but, any other hotel (besides a Disney one)that is within walking distance to DL, is likely to be a very different experience than what you are used to as a DVC'er!! I think, without exception, all hotels close by are one or two star hotels...there is NO comparison to the Disney properties. As for the differences between them...I was told that both DL and PP were "acquired" hotels after DL was built...and, whether or not it is true...it does seem to fit!! IMO, neither DL hotel nor PP really have that "Disney" magic! I also agree that GC is AMAZING...it is my ALL TIME favorite Disney hotel...period!! And, my opinion on character b'fasts...storyteller cafe has a WONDERFUL breakfast...you can eat the buffet, or order off the menu. And, of course, nothing quite compares to the b'fast at the Plaza with Pooh and his friends while you get to look at Sleeping Beauty's Castle!! But, of course...Storyteller's Cafe is also my favorite Disney restaurant...period!! Everything I have ever had there is AMAZING!!

I agree that the ambience of Blue Bayou is wonderful (and yes, Pirates is much better and longer than at WDW. It has two big "falls" at the beginning of the ride, which were needed to put the ride underground due to space constraints...which is really cool!), but be warned that the Blue Bayou is $$$$$$...and, it really does specialize in Cajun and seafood...not my favorites!!

Also, be aware that DL really does cater more to locals. There is a restaurant somewhere around the Blue Bayou which is a "members only" restauraunt, called "Pier" something (I cannot remember the number). It is very expensive to become a member there (at least, that is what I was told). I was surprised to see that Disney would allow this...but, to those who go, it is kind of a big deal.

Anyway...DL is "different". There are wonderful things about this resort, but I MUCH prefer WDW. Just be prepared for it to feel very small, and cramped...and take it for what it is...try not to think about what it is not.

I agree with the AP discounts...they are quite good!!

Have fun!!



Beca

 

[pmcpmc]

what's already been said and the location lends itself to enjoying the tourist attractions of this area.

 

[Pa@okw95]

Call early! I just tried to book rooms for late September-all were gone. No rooms at the 3 WD hotels.

 

[helenabear]

I loved reading all these replies as I will be headed there at the end of July myself!!!!

Beca, were you speaking of Club 33 by chance? I know one of the tours goes in the lobby of that place (which is kind of cool).

Pa@okw95, must be hit or miss with availability... I just booked my room for July last Thursday (less than 60 days out) through MS.

 

[Bracho]

There is a private dining room that is membership only right next to BB called Club 33.. We had a chance to eat there a couple of times a few years ago and it was a great dining experience. Had a couple of glasses of wine with lunch and the service was first class.. really enjoyed it.

 

[ceejay13]

We also lucked out a couple of years ago to meet a couple whose company had a corporate membership and took us for lunch. It is one of my special Disney memories.

One other tip one of the previous poster hinted at was the amount of locals who frequent the parks. We try to avoid DL on Saturdays especially as there are tons of local kids who frequent on the weekends, or school breaks.

We also like Storytellers very much. You aren't overwhelmed with characters and yet you still get the experience and the food is very good.

After being lucky enough to visit both CA and FL on a yearly basis for the last 7 or 8 years I have to say that I much prefer DL, the park, over the MK. I'm not sure if it's the history or the extra attractions not found at the MK but it is really wonderful. As the resort in total vs WDW you cannot really compare them because there is so much more at WDW and being DVCers it is our home away from home, but I hope I still get to frequent DL for years to come.

 

[disneykins]

Thanks everybody for all the replies. Looks like I'll be calling MS in the am to try to book a room with a view at the Grand Californian or Paradise Pier.
Next question: Is 3 nights there and a 3 day hopper enough time--remember it is the last week in July?
Thanks again
Tony

 

[JimC]

Where I might say nine or ten days at WDW for a grand tour; three or four days at DL is probably sufficient.

Have fun!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

July will be very hot and crowded. If able, you might want to check package prices w/AAA as they have tickets that include unlimited fast passes. That could be a real plus if you only have three days. Other than that, plan on entering the parks as early as possible, going back to the hotel for an afternoon nap or swim, and then returning to the parks in the evening.

Although DL is different from WDW, it is not lacking in any way and your family will enjoy themselves immensely.

HAVE FUN !!!

 

[helenabear]

How cool is that!! We'll be there the last week of July as well!!!! When I called last week there was almost everything open to choose from. I picked off a matter of points (used up all my points that I would lose by the end of the year) but she showed almost everything open.

We decided to be safe and go for 4 nights... that way we can do it all at a more relaxed pace AAA does have the unlimited fast pass, but also remember that some of the rides aren't "linked" so you can hold 3 fast passes or more at once. Also look into the 5 for 3 deal if you want to stay longer... you get 5 days for the price of 3 ($130)

 

[disneykins]

helenabear: Maybe we'll run into you, we're there from the 25th to the 28th.

What do you mean "some of the rides aren't "linked" so you can hold 3 fast passes or more at once."

"the 5 for 3 deal if you want to stay longer... you get 5 days for the price of 3 ($130)"--Is this for the park passes or the hotels?
Do you get this at the park or from a travel agent?

Thanks

 

[helenabear]

Oh wow, how cool! We are there just one more day than you (25-29th) I always have some lime green on my Mickey & Minnie mini-backpack! If you'd like to meet up sometime, let me know

I was reading a bunch on that DL board here and came across this info on a thread (http://130.94.75.33/showthread.php?s=&threadid=573979) about fast passes

Disconnected FP:

Disneyland
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Roger Rabbit
Star Tours

DCA
Grizzly River Run

Unless things have changed recently, you CAN hold FP for Disneyland and DCA at the same time.

So the ones that are "disconnected" means that even if you hold a FP for one of the "connected" rides, like BTM & Indiana Jones, you can get at lest one of the above as well.

The 3 for 5 deal is only for the Park Hopper Passes but are a great deal! I guess it is really $5 more than the regular 3 day park hopper but it makes the tickets only $25.80 for 5 days and $32.25 for four days (single day tickets are $49.75, no idea how much a four day ticket if available would cost) You can buy it in advance http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dlr/tickets/index and I believe if you call the hotel they can have it ordered for you and waiting for you when you check in. I am not sure of that because my friend who lives on the west coast was able to buy them at her Disney Store instead. Either way shipping is not charged for mutli day tickets online http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dlr/tickets/index

Hope that helped a little

 

[Bmwdsny]

Originally posted by tonyswife
I
The last time we were at DL, we had a one bedroom suite (on points) at the DLH. We had a great upper level (11th floor) corner suite with a view of neverland pool on one side and DTD on the otherside as well as a large balcony to sit on. The way the balconies are situated, they are very private, which is nice.

how many people does the 1 BR sleep?? Would you have prefer the 1 BR or 2 reg rooms connected?? I am going to DL next summer and i will have 6 people and am trying to figure what kind of room to get. I am also using the DVC points too.
I thought the DLH does not have any balcony. I am so niave when it comes to DL, only been there once.

 

[Beca]

helenabear...you are so "in the know"!!! And yes, you are right about my references to "Club 33"...I guess I am SO poor I cannot even afford to remember the name of it!! I recently learned about it, and was a little shocked that DL would have such an exclusive place...but, I guess when you cater more to locals....

I have an acquaintance who is a BILLIONAIRE...I am just dying to see if he is a member...maybe I can get in there just once (other than taking the tour)...that would be really cool!!!!

Do you know if there are FP rides that are NOT connected at WDW, and if so, what those are?



Beca