DLR 1st Time in Years

[GOOFY4DONALD]

As a kid I grew up in So Ca and have been to DL more times that I can count. It wasn't a true vacation as we usually slept on my Grandma's floor and headed for a day trip (out of my 50+ times we stayed at a hotel 4x's). I grew up and moved to Montana where everything is far away. In 2007 I took my family to WDW and fell madly in love with it. I think the main reason is because once you past the WDW arch/sign you are transported to another world that you don't have to leave for a week (or longer). We have had to cancel our last 3 WDW trips due to crazy airfare 600+++. This year is no different but I need my Disney fix. We are able to get pretty good airfare to California so we are planning on going to DLR. Since this is my 1st true vacation to DLR I feel like such a rookie. Here are a few questions:

Where to stay. Are there the same benefits to staying on property? It doesn't seem like it.

Looks like we need to rent a car (no Disney transportation)

Where to eat. I don't think we need any character meals (I think we enjoyed them more than kids did at WDW) I would love to take my family to many of the places that I grew up on but can't get in MT.

Would like to take the kids and show the US and Mideval Times (are they still as great as I remember them?)
Thanks in advance

 

[HydroGuy]

This may help:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

With DCA, DTD and the whole Disneyland resort, it feels more like a resort than it used to. But still not like WDW.

There are benefits to staying onsite but they are not as significant as at WDW. Biggest is probably getting to use Magic Mornings every day they are offered.

You will not need a car at DLR. Especially if you stay within walking distance. See "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Where to eat at DLR or offsite around SoCal?

Never done Medieval Times so can't help there.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

This may help:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

With DCA, DTD and the whole Disneyland resort, it feels more like a resort than it used to. But still not like WDW.

There are benefits to staying onsite but they are not as significant as at WDW. Biggest is probably getting to use Magic Mornings every day they are offered.

You will not need a car at DLR. Especially if you stay within walking distance. See "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Where to eat at DLR or offsite around SoCal?

Never done Medieval Times so can't help there.

Thanks for the reply. I will check out that thread. I think we wanted to rent a car because we are planning on going to Universal Studios as well. As far as dining I am looking at the whole resort and around the area. We are definately hitting Joe's Crab Shack...In & Out Burger and Tommy's at Universal. Other than that I'm not sure. Probably eating most counter service but Blue Bayou (a childhood favorite) is on the table as well.

 

[Isatricia]

Haven't been to DL in years either, but we are opting to rent a car. Since we grew up in Southern California and Southern Nevada, we don't want to be stuck at the resort only. We know that we have to go to In & Out, Del Taco and Wienerschnitzel while in SoCal. A rental car will make these things an option for us.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Haven't been to DL in years either, but we are opting to rent a car. Since we grew up in Southern California and Southern Nevada, we don't want to be stuck at the resort only. We know that we have to go to In & Out, Del Taco and Wienerschnitzel while in SoCal. A rental car will make these things an option for us.

How close is Weinerschnitzel???

 

[Isatricia]

It's at Haster & Chapman. It appears to be 2 miles or so. In & Out is 3 miles or so the other direction.