Dream planning a trip to Disneyland

[ottawamom]

That's the week I'm aiming for as it's what I like to call "All about me week" (my birthday and Mothers day). It rarely ends up being all about me but every year I try.

 

[Sue M]

We have been to DL a few times. We never do hoppers at WDW but we always do hoppers at DL, it really just makes sense there.

There is soooo much to see and do in Southern California. @LittleFlounder has a great suggestion to hit the beaches but just know if you are going in May, the ocean water might still be a bit cold. Laguna Beach and Huntington are amazing, even just to hang around and shop a little.

A HUGE hotel tip I have is to look at staying on South Harbour within a block of the Toy Story parking lot.
Basically you can walk into the Toy Story Parking lot and take the shuttle right to the entrance plaza. My kids did that a couple of years ago when they went on their first trip together.
It saved a bunch of $$$ and was fast and easy. I was a little worried that it was kind of bending the rules but it turns out it is a very usual thing.
Here is the link to the DisBoards thread that I got a ton of advice for DL hotel stays and ultimately found out about staying near the TS lot.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/u...distance-or-good-shuttle-times.3740937/page-2This is the hotel they ended up staying at.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-place-at-anaheim-resort-convention-center/anaza

The hotel we stay at is on S. harbour and Disney way. No need for shuttle it’s only a block from the gate.

 

[Sue M]

I have started to think of our next trip back to Land as well. We always do a 5 day park hopper but I can never get enough. When they used to offer a 10 day Canadian ticket we would get those and spend 12-14 days in California.

We stay across the street on S.Harbour Blvd. There are many options. We have stayed at Del Sol, Grand Legacy and Desert Inn and Suites. Tropicana is one that we were suppose to try out but had to cancel due to covid. The biggest thing for us is being able to walk back to the room in the afternoon to change and rest for a bit then go back to the park again in the evening.

We fly in to SNA (John Wayne) It is a smaller airport and have used a Taxi or Uber to get back and forth. If we are going to venture out and need a car we have rented from different places close the Disney and just brought it back when we were done. Saving money on parking fees etc.

I want to be back in the park!!! I hope by fall we will be able to do a road trip and drive down...

We do the same and stay across the street from Grand Legacy at The Anaheim Hotel. Fly into SNA and Uber. Unless my friend picks me up at LAX. I wish they still had 10 day tix. Love being able to walk back for that mid day break.

 

[ottawamom]

Went down a google maps rabbit hole. I have enjoyed staying at a Double Tree before, looks like its onl .3 mi to the Buzz Lightyear parking lot ( just over a mile to the park). DH collects Hilton points so that might be a possibility.

 

[Aladora]

We're definitely only in the room to sleep and shower kind of people. I would like a hotel with a decent selection for breakfast.

Debating the options currently for LAX vs John Wayne airports. I can get a direct flight (from Montreal) to LAX but the stops on the way to John Wayne would break up the long trip and allow me to stretch my legs. Plus the flights to John Wayne go into Denver, I've always wanted to see the architecture of that airport. Ah decsions, decisions.

We always fly into SNA (John Wayne). The drive from LAX is waaaay too long for me, especially if you hit traffic. SNA is so much closer! Also check out LGB, although I have never had any luck with decent flights there either from YYJ, YVR, or SEA.

 

[LittleFlounder]

And that is what I'm toying with at the moment. How do you get from LAX to Disneyland, rent a car or drive service (of some sort)?

I believe you were responding to my post above yours. Since I don’t rent a car, I take an Uber from LAX to Anaheim (or the beach when I stay there). It can be pricey, but I plan for it and considering the cost of the rest of the trip, and the convenience...it’s worth it.

 

[rella's fan]

We're (just my daughter and I) also in Ontario and after "trying out" Disneyland in 2011 we also made the switch. We usually go once or twice a year (with the last time being just before Covid). We're fortunate to be right across from Detroit and can often find direct flights for under $100 (if the border ever opens up again). We don't spend much time in the hotel but are a little bit of hotel snobs. Used to like Howard Johnson but found that it has gone downhill. Love the Courtyard by Marriott across the street but its a little pricy, the Hilton is very nice but a bit of a walk, but our favourite is the Fairfield across the street - nothing fancy but super clean, good price and great location (plus its a Marriott if you are a points collector). Super Shuttle used to be a great option however it went out of business. There are a couple of transportation options, I usually rent a car at LAX and don't find the drive to be bad at all and then we have the car for Laguna and surrounding areas, but if we are more focused on just doing the parks Karmel Shuttle can get you to Anaheim and there is a car rental right in Downtown Disney if you just want to get one for the day (and avoid paying high priced parking fees at most of the hotels).
Not sure if I'm allowed to post but I have a couple blog posts about Disneyland and the area.
http://luckybugadventures.com/reasons-love-disneyland/