DL Trip Planning Help

[LJSquishy]

My husband and I just returned from a Disney World trip and although I loved it there, it is not somewhere I would return based on the cost (over $3,000 for 7 nights with airfare and free dining at a Moderate resort). We live in Washington state and I want to look into the possibility of vacationing at Disneyland since it is much closer...I just can't find the same amount of info that I could for planning my Disney World trip.

-For Disneyland, what are the "value" seasons where crowds and prices are lowest?

-Any huge differences between the resorts there? I noticed at DW there were huge differences between Value, Mod, and Deluxe.

-Is Disneyland really much cheaper than taking a trip to Disney World? We would probably stay 3 nights, or 4 if needed/recommended.

-What are the best deals to watch for? Room discounts? Package deals? I want to keep my eyes open.

-Does Disneyland have the same type of shuttle & bus services that Disney World has, such as Magical Express and buses from the resorts to the two parks (I don't know how far they are)?

-Any other tips for me? I'm not officially planning a trip, I just want to see what it might cost. If it's not considerably cheaper than DW we won't go. I subscribe to Mousesavers, will not use a travel agent, and we don't have children.

Thank you!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

All Disney hotels plus many much cheaper offsite hotels are within walking distance from DTD and both parks. Staying onsite is not a "must".

Though DL is only 2 parks it has nearly as just as many rides as WDWs 4 parks. Once Carsland opens this summer 4 days will be a suggested minimum.

Off season means lower crowds, but more refurbs and shorter hours and entertainment. Fireworks are typically only on weekends in the off season.

I'd start at the sticky at the top of the main page. Read hydroguys tips for WDW vets, high vs low season, and effects of AP holders and block out dates.

 

[LJSquishy]

All Disney hotels plus many much cheaper offsite hotels are within walking distance from DTD and both parks. Staying onsite is not a "must".

Though DL is only 2 parks it has nearly as just as many rides as WDWs 4 parks. Once Carsland opens this summer 4 days will be a suggested minimum.

Off season means lower crowds, but more refurbs and shorter hours and entertainment. Fireworks are typically only on weekends in the off season.

I'd start at the sticky at the top of the main page. Read hydroguys tips for WDW vets, high vs low season, and effects of AP holders and block out dates.

Thank you so much. I will take a look at the sticky.

Minimum of 4 days, really? Wow! We did 7 nights at DW and were able to do each park in less than 1 full day each with the exception of Epcot which took 1 1/2 days.

 

[yngsj]

I also live in WA and we visit DLR and WDW often. When we get in on the free dining promo at WDW we can travel to WDW for less than DLR. We enjoy both resorts but when we have less then 5 days we visit DLR instead of WDW because of the two whole days we waste on the planes, at the airport, and with the 3 hr. time difference.

 

[heatherleigh]

I think your only savings will be airfare. DL hotels (I think) are more expensive than WDW, because there are only 3. I live in the middle of the U.S. and WDW and DL are about the same price, give or take a hundred bucks. We haven't looked into value resorts- I think that would make WDW much more affordable than DL.

Off-season is either Sept. or the end of Jan., or first week of Feb. (before Presidents day). Also, right after halloween, it goes into off-season, up until mid-Dec. I'm thinking of crowd levels, when I refer to off-season.

 

[Colo Nana]

We just got a package on expedia for 6 nights, air & rental car for 3 if us for 800 I didnt think that was bad its at an outside motel 1 mile from disney...for first week may..

 

[squirrel]

I like staying off property when going to DL/DCA. I stay at Best Western Park Place Inn as it's so close and has a nice continental breakfast. The room has a fridge and microwave. Sofa bed and either a King bed or 2 Queens. You don't get many perks staying at a DL Hotel compared to staying on property at WDW.