DLR n00b, WDW vet, feeling overwhelmed...

[Jutori]

So we have decided to take a few days on our way to SF to visit inlaws and go to DLR for the first time! I have been trying to read up as much but feeling overwhelmed (I guess a little out of control b/c I'm out of my element) so I have a few questions:
-GC vs DLH? We have really enjoyed the contemporary and AKL at WDW.
-DLH is undergoing renovations--will our stay be affected by this? how far along are they? how likely is it that we'll get a renovated room?
-Will it be warm enough over xmas to swim and enjoy the pool?

I guess dining, strategies, shows, etc can be planned out after I iron out the room ressie... whatever advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Headlesshorseman]

First of all....Breathe IN and OUT....

We stayed in the Disneyland Hotel Last year....one of the towers was under construction...but it didn't stop us from having fun...I would ASK for a new room if you are staying there....IT does take about 15 mins to walk to the park...The Grand Californian could be described as ...The Wilderness Lodge style/type kinda....It is made in the Mission Style Architecture....very pretty...

You can do the 2 parks in 2 days...3 is great....Staying at the Hotels you get early morning privileges...they are not everyday so check...and GO...it's not like WDW where you avoid them....and of course if they open at 9 get there by 7:30 to get your place in line and then into the park early...California Adventure usually opens one hour later...so if you want to do a breakfast with the characters that would be the park to do that day.

The Pools are heated....so JUMP IN....

it will be chilly....and you can get COLD...when the sun goes down....the ocean air filters in.....a good excuse to get a new sweatshirt.....or jacket...

Reservations work just like WDW....I love the Blue Bayou that is actually INSIDE the Pirates ride....has nice Cajun type food....DCA we usually eat the counter service type places....they do have some nice restaurant there as well..PLUS you can drink some adult beverages there...

The parks are smaller then WDW....so they can be done in a day...with that being said....hard work in planning your itinerary is needed....

I will suggest getting the Unofficial guide to Disneyland and follow their tour plans...

I will suggest also if you have some extra $$ to do the Fantasmic and World of Color reservations....

Can't wait to hear your plans...

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN...

I'm not the MOST knowledgeable but if you'd like...feel free to pm me...

HH

 

[jlmarr]

So we have decided to take a few days on our way to SF to visit inlaws and go to DLR for the first time! I have been trying to read up as much but feeling overwhelmed (I guess a little out of control b/c I'm out of my element) so I have a few questions:
-GC vs DLH? We have really enjoyed the contemporary and AKL at WDW.
-DLH is undergoing renovations--will our stay be affected by this? how far along are they? how likely is it that we'll get a renovated room?
-Will it be warm enough over xmas to swim and enjoy the pool?

I guess dining, strategies, shows, etc can be planned out after I iron out the room ressie... whatever advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Standard advice - read the Hydroguy tips:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

- Warm enough to swim? I'd say no, but I saw Canadians in the WL pool when we were there one January, so I guess what temps you're used to matter a lot.

 

[skiingfast]

So we have decided to take a few days on our way to SF to visit inlaws and go to DLR for the first time! I have been trying to read up as much but feeling overwhelmed (I guess a little out of control b/c I'm out of my element) so I have a few questions:
-GC vs DLH? We have really enjoyed the contemporary and AKL at WDW.
-DLH is undergoing renovations--will our stay be affected by this? how far along are they? how likely is it that we'll get a renovated room?

Thanks!

Saying GCH is similar to WL is ok, but GCH is much nicer. While WL is a low end delux, GCH is better than the GF, but with a lodge style.

The DLH and PPH are like standard hotels with Disney themeing. Not special buildings.

If you get a preferred room in DLH it will be renovated, you have to pay the higher rate to get this type of room. If your trip is in the late spring or next summer this will probably change since they will be most likely out of old rooms to rent.

 

[smitty0705]

LOVE the Grand Californian and I second the recommendation to follow the tour plans in the Unofficial Guide to DL. Worked great for us.

 

[goldies 5]

The GC is sure beautiful and Christmassy feeling. The lobby is relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, you are right in the middle of things.
We love the DLH too, but I just don't want to deal with all of the construction on my vacation.
You will really enjoy the quaintness of the DLR. The Holiday Season here is beautiful.
Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I can't comment on the Disney hotels, I could never justify the cost because the "perks" they offer aren't anything I'm interested in. The dinning plan isn't contigant on staying on site and there is no bus system required to hop from park to park or get from the hotel to the parks, everything is within walking distance. In fact, the hotels across from the pedestirian enterance are closer than the Disneyland hotels (GCH being the exeption). Scince I brought up the dinning plan, let me just say there is no perk for that either. You get a book off tickets with a dollar amount on them. So say you use your $5 voucher on some popcorn and a soda and your total is $4.25 (I don't know the actual prices, this is just an example) you DON'T get the change. If you buy a character breakfast voucher, use it at Goofy's Kitchen because that is the base for the price of the voucher. If you use it anywhere else, you'll loose money

We always stay a minimum of three days in the parks. That is usually plenty of time to see and do everything on our list, some things twice, without burning ourselves down. We have a 9 year old and a 2 1/2 year old in tow with us.

 

[Circusgirl]

In terms of hotels, the GC is a better bet right now due to the giant construction zone in the center of the DLH. The GC has a resort feel, and the wonderful lobby with the huge fireplace is a special treat. There are also unique hotel activities, like "The Art of the Craft" tour at the GC, that are well worth doing.

Utilize your Magic Mornings like crazy.

 

[SplashMo]

GC is awesome. Get www.ridemax.com for touring plans and if you have a smartphone get some apps for DisneyLand that show wait times.

 

[HydroGuy]

I will suggest getting the Unofficial guide to Disneyland and follow their tour plans...

Also consider Ridemax if you are looking at touring plans. Much more dynamic and up-to-date. www.ridemax.com

 

[nunzia]

I just think DLR is so much easier to tackle than WDW it isn't worth worrying, just go and have fun I would choose the Grand, but recently just stayed at the DLH and it was very nice also, but the longer walk is noticeable if you're normally a Grand guest. I got an older DLH room but just LOVE the decor and sure wish I could buy some of the pieces since it is all going somewhere during the refurb. We usually give ourselves 3-4 days to do everything and some things multiple times and not feel rushed. I would also suggest springing for the Fantasmic and World of Color packages if you can..if this may be a one time shot, you may as well enjoy all the little extras. I would never buy a dining plan at DLR..totally different than WDW and very screwy. There aren't that many places you need reservations at. We make reservations for Blue Bayou, Rainforest, Steakhouse 55..maybe a few others (if you want to try Napa Rose I'd make a reservation for that too), but we eat alot of counter service and have been able to get in other places, like Carnation Cafe, easily.
I think you might find DLR so super relaxing you might be a convert

 

[marciemouse]

As a WDW vet who gave DLR a shot this year, I can testify to the total do-ability of 3 days! We actually liked DLR so much we bought annual passes and will have taken 4 trips between May and December!

Read Hydroguy's tips and use the Unofficial Guide plans.

I'd choose GC over DLH anyday, but especially at Christmas time.

Have a great trip!

 

[shelemm]

We did two nights/ two FULL days (first night, next full day, third day morning and afternoon) and hit everything we wanted to with a priority given to attractions not in WDW.

Here are a few notes about things which may not be obvious:

Aladdin should be a priority if you can time it right. Not shown every day. Alone it is worth the price of admission to DL.

The Animation attraction is so far superior at CA than HS. it is worth spending some time here.

There is a street show in front of the Diamond Horseshoe that is super, and the Diamond Horseshoe show is very, very good.

I highly recommend Blue Bayou.

Space Mountain is better at DL.

Original ETR is much better than the atrocious update at WDW.

FNSV was a 20 minute wait at the end of a very crowded day.

The line for Matterhorn Bobsleds clears out during the fireworks.

I did DL during Xmas once, and I still get nightmares thinking about the lines, so GET THERE EARLY!

 

[Jutori]

Thanks everyone, just booked GC!!!
DH would let me even consider anywhere else! Thanks for all the great tips, I have diligently been reading up on all the great info including hydroguy's tips.

 

[Funball]

ºoº Trip Planners to DLRºoº

Thinking of going to DLR? I have maps for that! Both parks DCA and DLR. I still have Halloween covers and World of Color covers!!!

If you’d like a set please pm me with your address!

Thanks,
Funball!!