DisneyWorld Veteran, Disneyland Newbie- Looking for some tips

[Koz]

Good morning everyone. I wanted to see if I could pick your collective brains as I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to Disneyland for myself and the family (wife, 3 kids) in late August.

1) Other than the fact that you get early entry to the parks are there any other real advantages to staying at a DL hotel over a "good neighbor" hotel. It seems as though you don't get the same "Disney Immersion" or experience anyway at DL v DW, so I'm wondering if we look past the hour-early entry is there any other advantage?

2) I'm looking at probably a 4 day ticket, but wonder if by Day 4 we are going to find ourselves saying "we did XXX already," many times over. We want to totally experience the parks but don't want to be overly repetitive. Is 4 days sufficient for such a purpose? We are ride junkies.

3) In terms of good neighbor hotels, the price differential between the Disney properties is pretty significant. Are they worth considering? If so, can you please provide some recommendations?

4) If throwing in a visit to Universal Studios during the same trip, is this something that can be done in one day or would you recommend 2 days for Universal?

5) Do you think that the last week of August should be relatively quiet week in Southern California in terms of people accessing the parks? From what I've seen quite a few schools head back at some point in August.

6) Is there as much of a push to get "dining" reservations for DL like there is for DW? Are people clammoring 6 months out to make that all-important reservation?

7) I know that DL still uses traditional fast passes. Are you able to "bank" those fast passes like the good ole DW days from not too far back?

Again, thanks for your time. I definitely value the tips we've received over the years for all of our Disney trips.

 

[BrianL]

Good morning everyone. I wanted to see if I could pick your collective brains as I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to Disneyland for myself and the family (wife, 3 kids) in late August.

1) Other than the fact that you get early entry to the parks are there any other real advantages to staying at a DL hotel over a "good neighbor" hotel. It seems as though you don't get the same "Disney Immersion" or experience anyway at DL v DW, so I'm wondering if we look past the hour-early entry is there any other advantage?

2) I'm looking at probably a 4 day ticket, but wonder if by Day 4 we are going to find ourselves saying "we did XXX already," many times over. We want to totally experience the parks but don't want to be overly repetitive. Is 4 days sufficient for such a purpose? We are ride junkies.

3) In terms of good neighbor hotels, the price differential between the Disney properties is pretty significant. Are they worth considering? If so, can you please provide some recommendations?

4) If throwing in a visit to Universal Studios during the same trip, is this something that can be done in one day or would you recommend 2 days for Universal?

5) Do you think that the last week of August should be relatively quiet week in Southern California in terms of people accessing the parks? From what I've seen quite a few schools head back at some point in August.

6) Is there as much of a push to get "dining" reservations for DL like there is for DW? Are people clammoring 6 months out to make that all-important reservation?

7) I know that DL still uses traditional fast passes. Are you able to "bank" those fast passes like the good ole DW days from not too far back?

Again, thanks for your time. I definitely value the tips we've received over the years for all of our Disney trips.

I'll answer what I can:

1 & 3: I wouldn't even worry about the "Good Neighbor" hotels. Some of them aren't even that close. I would just try to book one of the reasonably priced hotels on Harbor Blvd. They are walkable to DLR and you won't need to use the ART buses. I have stayed at the Tropicana and it was good, but the others right around there are similar from what I gather.

2: 4 Days is plenty. I think 3 is sufficient, but I don't think you'll be bored at all by day 4 by any means. DLR packs a lot of attractions into a smaller space than WDW. There is always plenty to do.

4: Universal Studios Hollywood, as a park, can be done in one day. It's not that big. I actually like it better than USO because of the Backlot Tour on a actual Hollywood movie lot. I haven't been since they opened the Harry Potter stuff, but it was never too crowded when I've been there on a weekday. Keep in mind that it is not at all close to DLR/Anaheim. Plan travel accordingly.

5. I really don't know. DLR is slower on weekdays, but in the summer it may not be. I don't know when kids go back to school in the area.

6. No, definitely not. Reservations are recommended for some restaurants, but you do not have to fight for them 180 days out like at WDW. In fact, I don't think they even open until 60 days, and even then, no rush. There might be some extra-popular character breakfasts, but generally, for the sit-down places in the parks, you can get reservations reasonably easily.

7. The system lets you pull one FP and then there is a time at which you can pull your next one. The return time does not affect the next pull time, so it's possible to have a couple on hand. They do enforce the return windows though so if it expires then it is now invalid (though a couple minutes grace period is usually given). Also, check out MaxPass, where you can manage on your phone and not have to run to the kiosks (there is an extra cost).

That's what I can say form my experiences at DLR, but what you really need here is this:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

HydroGuy's DL Tips for WDW vets is a great resource for people like you who are coming to DL for the first time. I was in the same boat, and DL is so similar, yet so different. These tips really helped me out! All thanks to @HydroGuy for the tips.

 

[Koz]

I'll answer what I can:

1 & 3: I wouldn't even worry about the "Good Neighbor" hotels. Some of them aren't even that close. I would just try to book one of the reasonably priced hotels on Harbor Blvd. They are walkable to DLR and you won't need to use the ART buses. I have stayed at the Tropicana and it was good, but the others right around there are similar from what I gather.

2: 4 Days is plenty. I think 3 is sufficient, but I don't think you'll be bored at all by day 4 by any means. DLR packs a lot of attractions into a smaller space than WDW. There is always plenty to do.

4: Universal Studios Hollywood, as a park, can be done in one day. It's not that big. I actually like it better than USO because of the Backlot Tour on a actual Hollywood movie lot. I haven't been since they opened the Harry Potter stuff, but it was never too crowded when I've been there on a weekday. Keep in mind that it is not at all close to DLR/Anaheim. Plan travel accordingly.

5. I really don't know. DLR is slower on weekdays, but in the summer it may not be. I don't know when kids go back to school in the area.

6. No, definitely not. Reservations are recommended for some restaurants, but you do not have to fight for them 180 days out like at WDW. In fact, I don't think they even open until 60 days, and even then, no rush. There might be some extra-popular character breakfasts, but generally, for the sit-down places in the parks, you can get reservations reasonably easily.

7. The system lets you pull one FP and then there is a time at which you can pull your next one. The return time does not affect the next pull time, so it's possible to have a couple on hand. They do enforce the return windows though so if it expires then it is now invalid (though a couple minutes grace period is usually given). Also, check out MaxPass, where you can manage on your phone and not have to run to the kiosks (there is an extra cost).

That's what I can say form my experiences at DLR, but what you really need here is this:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

HydroGuy's DL Tips for WDW vets is a great resource for people like you who are coming to DL for the first time. I was in the same boat, and DL is so similar, yet so different. These tips really helped me out! All thanks to @HydroGuy for the tips.

Brian thank you so much for your reply. It's very much appreciated!

Merry Christmas!

 

[BrianL]

Brian thank you so much for your reply. It's very much appreciated!

Merry Christmas!

No problem. I remember the first time I tried Disneyland and, it was like being in Bizarro-World. Things are similar enough that I felt comfortable, but then I'd turn a corner and thing, "Wait, why is Big Thunder on the wrong side of the river?" It's fun though! Keep in mind that some rides that are the "same" actually are not. Like Space Mountain is very different at DL. Haunted Mansion is similar but looks completely different from the outside (watch out for the HM closure to install the Holiday overlay that usually lasts a couple weeks and falls around late August). POTC is much longer and with some additional scenes (it's much better!). The DL Fantasmic! was also always better, and now it has been newly enhanced so definitely check that out.

Other can't miss DLR exclusives are Indiana Jones, Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey and the Magical Map, World of Color, and Guardians of the Galaxy (took over Tower of Terror, but I hear good things).

Actually, one other thing to watch out for is the refurb at DCA of Paradise Pier which is becoming Pixar Pier. It re-opens in "Summer 2018" so I would think by late August it should be up and running, but it's just something to consider. This affects California Screamin' (to become Incredi-Coaster), King Triton's Carousel (being removed I believe), Mickey's Fun Wheel, and Ariel's Grotto/Cove Bar restaurant. Toy Story Mania is not shown on the refurb list, but that area will be under construction, so I'm not sure.

Have fun!

 

[tzeitel]

We are WDW vets, both DH & I are ex-CMs and have gone there on vacation many times - always staying on-property. When we moved to CO I knew we had to go to DLR, but just checking out the rates at the hotels made me wonder if we could. First trip was HoJo and it was great - close to the parks, big rooms, nice little waterpark. After that we tried Desert Inn & Suites - holy moley that one is so close to the entrance! DD and I stayed at the Tropicana which is also super close to the entrance. We did stay at the Best Western Stovalls' once and while it was fine but a bit further out - still walkable! They all have free breakfast. If you are looking for pool time with the kids I would go either HoJo or the Marriott which also has a waterpark area (very nice but a little more $ per night). I keep booking the DI&S since they seem to have really good rates when you book way in advance (I check as soon as I start thinking about dates and keep checking until they open their calendar), it is clean, and sooo close!

There does not seem to be the Disney bubble like at WDW. DLR hotels are nice but they seem like hotels not resorts, GCH has a nice looking lobby but it seems small compared to the WDW resorts (like the Y&BC, Poly, GF that have more room to spread out).

For a first time 4 days is good - yes you could possibly do most of what you want in 3 but it could feel like rushing it and not enjoying the differences. We did 4 days the first time, after that we have done 5 every time. Park hopping will blow your mind (if it was not already blown by how close the hotel is from the parks).

For dining it is nothing like WDW. I remember for WDW being at the computer exactly when my dates opened up and then having to play with dates/party size to get some ADRs! At DLR the only ones I would consider making in advance (like when the open the calendar) are the packages - WOC dessert party (I highly recommend this!), F! package (especially the upgraded package at River Belle) - and Blue Bayou if you want a waterside table without much (or any) wait. Blue Bayou is inside POTC, waterside tables are held for the first reservations of the day, I booked an 11:15 and did not get a waterside table even though some were empty. I asked and they told me that they actually hold those for the 11AM reservations - so they go fast. Of course you can get a waterside table at other times but you will just have to wait.

Have not done Universal yet but from what I hear it is a 1 day park. There is also Knotts Berry Farm which has a bunch of faster rides.

 

[figment_jii]

2) I think there will still be plenty to do with four days, even if you're trying to avoid repeating things. If were only focused on attractions, I think you can get most things done in four days...although it depends on when you're going and what crowds are like (which is hard to predict). However, if you also wanted to do the shows and characters, then I think you'll be hard pressed to fit everything in in four days.

3) I usually stay at one of the Good Neighbor properties along Harbor Blvd. Most of them are motels (rather than hotels or resorts), so they aren't really anything fancy. I usually stay at the BWPPI because it's one of the closest motels to the parks. I've also stayed at the Fairfield Inn, the Grand Legacy (before the conversion), and the BW Anaheim Inn. All were fine; nothing really outstanding or awful about any of them. I've also stayed at the Courtyard Theme Park Entrance (this is a hotel); it was very nice, but pricey.

5) That's hard to say...I would guess that the weekdays will be fairly quiet, with the possibility that crowds will pick-up in the afternoon/evening as folks get out of school and off work. Very few weekends are quiet these days, so I would anticipate pretty good sized crowds from Friday night through Sunday regardless of the time of year. While schools do head back throughout August, the SoCal and SoCal Select AP blockout ends in mid-August, which means this is the first chance those folks have to get back into the parks since June/July. Depending on when the Pixar Pier stuff opens, this might be their first chance to experience these new overlays.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/2018-calendar-of-events-school-breaks-and-dlr.3635162/

6) No, DLR dining reservations don't come available until 60-days in advance and even then almost nothing will fill up immediately. Sometimes some of the special event dining (e.g., Mahalloween) will fill up quickly, but standard dining reservations are usually available fairly close to the date. Dining packages, like the F! one and the WoC Dessert Party, tend to book up first, but even then it's not on the first day. If you go online right on the 60-day mark and nothing is available, it's more likely that they have not yet loaded the reservations into the system. I would still make an ADR if you know you want to eat at a specific place, but you don't need to be up at the crack of dawn to try and make the reservation. The dining system doesn't roll at a specific time; usually sometime after midnight, but before 8:00 am.

7) No, you can no longer bank FPs. They must be used within the time window that they're pulled for.

 

[Frozen2014]

Hi,

We've done WDW once and did DL once last August...so can answer some of your questions.

1. Don't think there are any other advantages staying onsite but I'm sure others can respond.

2. We did 4 day park hopper and it was perfect...not too long, not too short. We did repeat our favorites but that was great. There were even things that we never got to. It also gave us a chance to see WOC and Fantasmic (Keep in mind that if you go very end of August, then Fantasmic and Fireworks are only shown on Fri-Sun)

3. We stayed at Desert Inn and Suites. Very basic hotel...old decor but rooms big with room for our stuff (and second room for our younger one). Included breakfast and best part is it is across the street so very close. We would book there again. We didn't use the pool but there is an indoor one. There are other motels as well on Harbor so very close.

4. We did Universal for one day only. It was enough. We started in LA so didn't have the extra travelling to do but think you'll be ok.

5. We went last week in August and crowds were pretty good. note however that it was als very hot so that might have kept people away.

7. Not sure what you mean but one FP at a time, unless your FP is past the maximum wait time..then you can book another. I highly recommend MaxPass as it lets you book the passes on your phone and saves tons of time. It does however cost $10/day/person but it comes with photopass.

P.S. - One thing I loved about DL is how close the two parks are from each other. We were back and forth daily, and sometimes more than once. And on a totally different note...Carsland is amazing...day and night!

 

[GatorChris]

Big time WDW vet and lover here, though it's been since 2012 (pre-FP+). DL has been our home for the last 4 years. I'll help where I can.

1. Unless you spend big bucks on the Grand Cali, there is not other perk to staying at a DL resort. The Grand Cali is super close and has a great escape feel. But the other two definitely don't have that. I'd rather stay in AllStars Movies than stay at Paradise Pier. And every WDW moderate is superior to DLHOtel. You just don't get a good escape feeling at those. But at the GC, you can....for a hefty price.

2. 4 days PH is a good start. That's what we did on our first trip to DL. That's 2 days in each park (if you don't hop). That'll give you a good feel for both parks.

3. We always stay at the HoJo there on Harbor Blvd. The walk is bit farther than others on that road, but it's about the same distance as Paradise Pier, so not bad. They're rates are good, and you can even spend a bit extra for a park vue room.

4. One day in Universal is enough to go see the Harry Potter stuff...the only stuff worth seeing.

5. Late August "should be" quiet. Then again, the local AP open back up those weeks so it might see a blip of local traffic.

6. It took me years to get to a point where I wasn't up at 6am 60 days out to get a reservation. I found out I could wait until a month out and still get the time I wanted where i wanted. It's just really weird. DL is so much more laid back than WDW. However, that has to do with DL not having as many good restaurants as WDW. There's nothing I "have to have" like Liberty Tree Tavern, Chef Mickey's, Tusker House, Akershus, or many others that I love at WDW. Only the Blue Bayou is the big draw. And it's not for the overpriced, underwhelming food. It's just on the Bayou of the Pirates, so that's very cool. Other than that, i eat at Downtown Disney or the Garden Walk more than at a sit-down in DL or DCA.

7. You can't accumulate and then hit them at the end of the day. But you can get whatever you want once you walk in. And then continue "getting" all day long. I hate the idea of FP+, getting rides set 60 days in advance, wondering if I wasted it on a ride or if the bus can get me there on time. I really prefer the FP of DL these days.

 

[chickapin parterre]

If you have spent every WDW on site, then you could run into magic problems staying on harbor. Traffic, noise, traffic, density of lodging and people, traffic, standing the in the heat to go back to your lodging, traffic, bus loading station,traffic, . All of that is acceptable to me because that is my Disneyland experince. But it you are use to the bubble at WDW, it could throw you a curve.

 

[HydroGuy]

No problem. I remember the first time I tried Disneyland and, it was like being in Bizarro-World. Things are similar enough that I felt comfortable, but then I'd turn a corner and thing, "Wait, why is Big Thunder on the wrong side of the river?"

I know what you are saying but since BTMRR was built first at DL then later at MK then it is MK which has it on the "wrong" side of the river.

 

[baozi]

Arguably there are more local people going to Disneyland, so weather is a factor at play. I remember going last July on two record-breaking hot days and the crowd was perfect -- I got 50+ fast passes during a two-day period, most of them had immediate return time (at that time there was no minimum interval between fast passes -- when you get an immediate return time, you can immediately get another FP as long as it is not for an attraction you already have).
I feel that traditional fast pass system (and even better, MaxPass) is far better than Fastpass+. When you get to the park in the morning, everything is available. It is just the matter of how you arrange your time there. Of course, Racers and Guardians might run out by noon, but you still have the entire morning to grab them. Other than those, Space Mountain and Toy Story, everything remains available until late afternoon. This is not the case with Fastpass+.
Universal Holywood: it is important to get there early, then no problem doing everything in one day.

 

[Captainkidd76]

The Grand Cali is super close and has a great escape feel. But the other two definitely don't have that. I'd rather stay in AllStars Movies than stay at Paradise Pier. And every WDW moderate is superior to DLHOtel. You just don't get a good escape feeling at those. But at the GC, you can....for a hefty price.

Really? That's very interesting. As a 1st timer, I've been worrying about our decision to stay at Candy Cane Inn. I really liked the look of the rooms and the grounds at DLH from the vids and pics I've seen, but can't justify paying over $600 per night. So you think we'll be happy we didn't spend the money?

 

[tzeitel]

Really? That's very interesting. As a 1st timer, I've been worrying about our decision to stay at Candy Cane Inn. I really liked the look of the rooms and the grounds at DLH from the vids and pics I've seen, but can't justify paying over $600 per night. So you think we'll be happy we didn't spend the money?

I would compare DLH to the Contemporary but still with not as much grounds. Granted the Contemporary is not one of my favorites The pool looks nice, we go to Trader Sam's for lunch and love it, have been inside one of the towers and was underwhelmed. I would rather spend the money on other things like the dessert party or the F! package.

We've never stayed ta the Candy Cane, but here on the Dis it is a favorite.

 

[Captainkidd76]

I would compare DLH to the Contemporary but still with not as much grounds. Granted the Contemporary is not one of my favorites The pool looks nice, we go to Trader Sam's for lunch and love it, have been inside one of the towers and was underwhelmed. I would rather spend the money on other things like the dessert party or the F! package.

We've never stayed ta the Candy Cane, but here on the Dis it is a favorite.

I'm not a fan of the Contemporary either. The inside is very cold and sterile to me.

On one hand, it's our 1st trip to Disneyland, and could be our only given where we live so I want the ultimate Disney experience. On the other hand, I would be surprised if we're at the hotel for anything else other than sleeping. I imagine we're going to spend all day at the parks. Another thing I like about CCI is the location. It's right near Garden Walk, and I LOVE Bubba Gump! Plus, free breakfast or at worst, Ihop or Denny's is another advantage.

 

[GatorChris]

Really? That's very interesting. As a 1st timer, I've been worrying about our decision to stay at Candy Cane Inn. I really liked the look of the rooms and the grounds at DLH from the vids and pics I've seen, but can't justify paying over $600 per night. So you think we'll be happy we didn't spend the money?

That's my opinion. I've stayed at DLH once. I got a rate at $240/night....and even that was too much for us. Yes, the rooms looks lovely, and the headboards do light up. The waterslides at the pool were kid favorites. And walking to monorail to eliminate walking was a plus - but it also meant not walking in to the park down mainstreet, which kinda killed some magic. But overall, it felt like a Hilton or something like that. Every stay I've had at the HoJo with the Park view rooms has been a better experience than the DLH.

 

[Captainkidd76]

That's my opinion. I've stayed at DLH once. I got a rate at $240/night....and even that was too much for us. Yes, the rooms looks lovely, and the headboards do light up. The waterslides at the pool were kid favorites. And walking to monorail to eliminate walking was a plus - but it also meant not walking in to the park down mainstreet, which kinda killed some magic. But overall, it felt like a Hilton or something like that. Every stay I've had at the HoJo with the Park view rooms has been a better experience than the DLH.

Funny you say that about the monorail. I totally agree. Especially for my first time going to Disneyland. No desire to get dropped off in Tomorrowland. It's Main Street or nothing for us.
If I could get a rate of $240 per night, I'd do it in a heartbeat. That's what we're paying for a Premium Room at CCI.

 

[HydroGuy]

Really? That's very interesting. As a 1st timer, I've been worrying about our decision to stay at Candy Cane Inn. I really liked the look of the rooms and the grounds at DLH from the vids and pics I've seen, but can't justify paying over $600 per night. So you think we'll be happy we didn't spend the money?

I have stayed at all of the DL hotels and CCI multiple times. I only stay onsite when I can get a good deal on a room.

CCI is a great decision. I lean towards BWPPI myself because it is just so close to DLR to walk. But I stay at CCI when I cannot make BWPPI work.

Save your money and stay offsite. And don't worry about it anymore.

 

[Captainkidd76]

I have stayed at all of the DL hotels and CCI multiple times. I only stay onsite when I can get a good deal on a room.

CCI is a great decision. I lean towards BWPPI myself because it is just so close to DLR to walk. But I stay at CCI when I cannot make BWPPI work.

Save your money and stay offsite. And don't worry about it anymore.

I chose CCI over BWPPI mainly because of the pool. They're nothing special at either, but the one at CCI looks much nicer.

 

[HydroGuy]

I chose CCI over BWPPI mainly because of the pool. They're nothing special at either, but the one at CCI looks much nicer.

The pool area is nicer at CCI than at BWPPI. The pool size is probably about the same. IMO the grounds of CCI are much nicer and more inviting. The rooms are equivalent to BWPPI and maybe a notch below.

Both good choices IMO and, again, you will be fine staying at CCI over a DLR hotel.

 

[Captainkidd76]

The pool area is nicer at CCI than at BWPPI. The pool size is probably about the same. IMO the grounds of CCI are much nicer and more inviting. The rooms are equivalent to BWPPI and maybe a notch below.

Both good choices IMO and, again, you will be fine staying at CCI over a DLR hotel.

Those were my exact thoughts looking at both. Rooms seems a bit nicer at BWPPI, but we sprung for a Premium room at CCI so we'll have a bit more space. Plus it'll be nice having the DVD player and free breakfast delivered to the room. Having never been out there, I really had to go mostly on reviews and I was pleasantly surprised to see almost all positives about CCI.