Do I need a car?

[michelle1]

I am bringing my DD for a 4 day trip and am unfamiliar with the area so I would prefer not to drive but are there enough restaurants or any shopping that is nearby so we could walk? Also, any hotel recommendations for a good location?

 

[dbanzai]

I am bringing my DD for a 4 day trip and am unfamiliar with the area so I would prefer not to drive but are there enough restaurants or any shopping that is nearby so we could walk? Also, any hotel recommendations for a good location?

Where are you staying?

There are plenty of places to eat in the parks and at Downtown Disney and the hotels, things for pretty much every budget. The Good Neighbor hotels also offer a number of places, just a quick walk out the main gate. On that strip they have a Denny's, IHOP and a number of places.

I usually aim to do my trips sans car and live of the Land as it were if I fly there. I don't think you'd have much trouble with it.

 

[abby]

My dd 7 andf I have gone three times in the last two years. Never rented a car. There is plenty to eat around and plenty to do without needing a car.

As for hotels we have stayed at the DLH twice and loved it, but it is so expensive, last time we stayed at HOJO's and had a great time. Also, off site at HOJO the food is cheaper then staying at the resort. Walking distance about the same between them

 

[dbanzai]

D'oh! I really have to read better when I wake up.

I've stayed at four hotel within walking distance of DL, and one further away which I won't talk about (although it was a good experience too). Here are some brief reviews from most to least favorite:

DLH: Obviously my favorite. It's pricy, although as a DVC member now, I like to stay now at property hotels as it's not that bad point-wise. Has the usual hospitality of all things Disney and some perks. Easy walk to the Monorail, which depending on the time of your visit may be only for hotel guests.

Fairfield Inn: Easy walk to the main gate, and decently priced and well maintained. I forget if breakfast was included or not. There are a few restaurants here, including a diner in the parking lot and a deli and pizza counter inside.

Ramada Main Gate: About the same walk as from the Fairfield. The rooms aren't as well-kept and the pool isn't as nice, but decently priced. Breakfast included, but it's like only one sandwich. You walk past IHOP, Denny's and I believe there's still a Tony Roma's on the strip (all of which are easy walk from here and the Fairfield).

Alamo Inn: Closer to the DTD side and near the PP Hotel. I think there was breakfast, but otherwise no frills and not well maintained. It's cheap however.

I'd say Fairfield is your best bet if you are trying to do DL on a budget.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

If you stay onsite or very close, no you won't need a car. Here's a website of all the hotels around disneyland. On the right side is where the cross walk is to the enterance, so those hotels have the closest walk. Best Western Park Place Inn, is right across from the across walk. Were staying at the Carousel Inn next month, which is also right there.

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap

There are plenty of places to eat around there and in the parks. So no I think you'll be fine without a car!

 

[darph nader]

This the only time our vehicle gets a rest. We just hang out around the resort,(stay across the street)

 

[disneyfansmandl]

We had annual passes for about 5 years and once our car was parked, it stayed that way. We never had reason to stray farther than walking distance from the Disneyland area. If you were staying longer, you might want a car to check some other stuff out but 4 days will fly by in no time.

Enjoy yourself and get some pictures with DD

 

[michelle1]

Thanks everyone for all of your tips! I am a little nervous because we are so familiar with WDW and this will be our first trip to DL but we are very excited!

 

[dbanzai]

As someone who spent many trips at WDW before getting to DL, let me say there's nothing to worry about. It's strange actually seeing city streets there and having non-Dis hotels right next door, but it's safe and full of fellow travelers and the parks have their own charms separate from what you feel in Orlando.

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks everyone for all of your tips! I am a little nervous because we are so familiar with WDW and this will be our first trip to DL but we are very excited!

I'm guessing you've read HydroGuy's thread on DLR for WDW veterans (which include several other informative links). If not let us know and a link will be provided.

A must read if you "...are so familiar with WDW..."

 

[michelle1]

I'm guessing you've read HydroGuy's thread on DLR for WDW veterans (which include several other informative links). If not let us know and a link will be provided.

A must read if you "...are so familiar with WDW..."

I would appreciate the link if you have it.....thanks again!!!

 

[Hound 109]

I would appreciate the link if you have it.....thanks again!!!

Here's the link:

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

Note: Within this informative thread are a couple of other links that describe how to best utilize FP & opinions on how to best tour during the summer. All are most informative. Have fun.

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

Our last trip, we didn't rent a car. It was SO much more relaxing! We arranged for a shuttle from the airport. (Fly into Orange County/John Wayne if you can as it is closer and cheaper.) We stayed at Candy Cane Inn. They have their own shuttle that runs every half hour so you didn't need to wait on a street corner with a crowd. They also have a breakfast included in the price that was decent to start our day. They have a small pool and hot tub that we never had time to use. We were very comfortable there. There is a small AM/PM type store on the corner if you need anything. Several restaurants are close to the Disneyland gate so you could leave the park if you wanted.