DW/DVC family first trip to DL advice

[tb1972]

We're in the very beginning of planning a DL trip for the summer. Perhaps the July or early Aug timeframe. This is a last minute deal since DD is intrigued by the 60th aniv! We are DVC members but unfortunately the Grand Californian resort is booked at capacity. So, we're looking for advice where to stay? How many days are needed at the parks? Any advice for clean beach nearby? Our children are 10 & 13.

Thanks!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I love Paradise Pier, upper level theme park view. (You do have to cross a busy street to get to the parks via the Grand Californian lobby.) You will pay more for a hotel at DL, if you stay at a Disney hotel, there are no Values or Moderates.

There are less expensive hotels outside of Disney that are very close to the entrance, as well. I can't help you with those.

It is nice to NOT make all your ride and meal reservations in advance, and just be able to wake up and decide where to go that day, lol.

I spend many days at the DL parks on my trips, because I love their parks so much. So I would say 4-5, while others may tell you 2-3. You will likely want to see many things both before and after dark, for example. (Carsland is amazing after dark) We went over to Newport and Huntington Beaches one afternoon/sunset. (we live at the Jersey Shore, so the beach is familiar to us, but DD want to see the sunset over the ocean, we get the nice sunrises on the east coast)