DL and then San Diego, maybe Hollywood?

[niklynn1]

I am working on planning a vacation for the 1st week of June for me and my two teens, DD17 and DS14. We've been to WDW a couple of times and we are considering DL this year.

I'm a single mom, and part of the appeal of WDW trips these past few years has been the ease of using Disney transportation and staying on property to simply the trip and allow ME to relax and enjoy too.

So, with 7-8 days available to us, I'm thinking we'll only need 3-4 at DL, would you agree? Then, I'm trying to figure out what else we could do/see? I'm considering San Diego because I'd like to see the seals at La Jolla and visit Sea World, which we've never done before. If we do this, what else in the area would be of interest to teens? Also, I'm quite concerned about CA traffic. I don't think we'd need a car in Anaheim, but then should be rent a car and drive to San Diego? Would 2-3 days there be enough? Also, my daughter has expressed interest in Hollywood, but I see that is the opposite direction of San Diego.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. I've spent days trying to plan this and am about to give up. It seems far more complicated that just heading to FL again.

 

[hockeybabe]

Well, I haven't been, but am planning a trip same time as you. What airport are you thinking of flying in to? If LAX, then you could do the Hollywood thing before DL, then down to San Diego.

We are flying into LAX, doing Hollywood that morning, afternoon at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, then staying the night in Carlsbad; one day in San Diego, heading up to Anaheim for 2 days, 3 nights, then two days up the coast and a day in San Fran before flying out of San Fran. It's more of a "taste of California" trip. We are renting a car for the whole week, though.

Maybe check out the SoCal Go Pass, for ideas of what there is to do in San Diego, I didn't buy a pass, but it was a good way of seeing what there was to do out there.

Have fun planning!

 

[KCmike]

First of all congrats on leaning towards Disneyland. It is the most amazing of all the Disney parks. I was a WDW vet and thought Disneyworld was the end all be all to vacations then we went to San Diego and Disneyland. We stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado (very expensive and the most we've ever spent on a hotel room but definitely worth it). Think Grand Floridian before it ever existed and its right on the beach. That stretch of sand is also perfect for families. Either way we really enjoyed Sea World. It was a perfect one day getaway from the hotel. The park is small but has a lot to offer. Have you ever been to a Seaworld before?

On the Hollywood note: We were very disappointed. Traffic is horrible and there is not much to see. I would stay away but I understand that everyone needs to say they have seen it before.

The drive between Disneyland and San Diego is an easy 90 min drive down the highway.

LA in general is dirty. Once you get out into the suburbs of Anaheim or on the coast near the ocean its downright gorgeous.

Where are you staying at in Disneyland? How are you transferring from airport to DL?

You know Carsland won't be open in the first of June right? If you don't care about that then first of June would be a good time to go. Most schools are still in session there. Know that in Disneyland the fireworks, Fantasmic! and other things might only be showing on the weekends till a week or so later in June.

Above poster said to look into the Socal City Pass. That might be an option. We haven't done it because we weren't interested in Universal.

I remember our first time to California back in 2007. Such a blast.

 

[Anaheim boy]

If you really want to relax and enjoy your time, I'd say 4 days at Disney then head to SD. I would probably stay out of HWD. That may cause you more stress than it's worth really. You've got several options to fly into, LAX, Long Beach or Santa Ana. The latter two being smaller airport but just as good, and sometimes you can find cheaper stuff into there. I'd suggest Super Shuttle to get to Dland from any of these airports. Once on property (Disney resort or good neighbor hotel) it is nothing like WDW. Everything is walking distance that you would need and want to do. The 2 parks, plus Downtown Disney and off site restaurants are all close by. You won't need a car. For SD, maybe look into catching the train. Amtrak does a service down there from Anaheim (or Fullerton) that is pretty good and would be a nice way to sit and relax on the way down. I used to love SeaWorld as a kid, and if you've never done it before you should. La Jolla is a little bit north of SD and you'd have to find some transport there (I've always had my car) but am sure there is something there that the SD natives can point you to. Sounds like a good visit. We will be back home the 1st/2nd week of June too, so it'll be nice to be back in the Cali sun.

 

[niklynn1]

Thanks for all of this great info, everyone.

I'm still looking into flights, and still trying to decide on hotels. Can't decide if we should stay in Anaheim the whole time, and catch a tour down to Sea World, or possibly get a car and head down to SD for the last 2-3 days.

If I did the latter option, is there anyplace near DLR to rent a car for the SD portion of the trip since I won't need one while we're at DLR?