First Disneyland Trip, Help

[alwaysready]

We are planning a Disneyland vacation this summer and need some advice. We are planning to be there in July. We have gone to DW every year, for several years and we are DVC members. We are currently out of points so we are considering one of the neighboring motels off DL property. We are also thinking that 3 days in the parks will be enough. We are not familiar with CA much less DL. I am looking for any advice, particularly regarding the lengh of stay and motel information. We either need a suite with 2 bedrooms or 2 seperate rooms. We are traveling with 14 year old girl, 7 year old girl, and mother-in-law. Additionally, any advice on dining and activities for the kids would be great. Thanks

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

I was also a "Walt Disney World" girl, and then I rediscovered Disneyland as an adult. It is a wonderful vacation location!

Our family, with two teens and a baby, just did a week in Disneyland, and I enjoy having enough time to really enjoy all the park has to offer. I know there are those who say it can be "done" in three days, but I enjoy enjoying the park, not just being on a run the entire time.

Our kids also like to visit the Ocean, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, eat at In-N-Out Burger...you get the idea.

When we are in WDW we always stay on property, but do not at Disneyland. Howard Johnson in Anaheim is a popular location with disboarders. It is well within walking distance (about seven minutes from our room to the front gate, pushing a stroller) and they have family suites. Two rooms, bunk beds, pull out bed, two bathrooms, King sized bed, refrigerator, microwave, and a fun "pirates of the caribbean" inspired theme. Also, you can use the Entertainment Book discount there, during certain dates, and get the family suite for $99. Even when that rate isn't available, you can use their in-house reservations and get 15% off for being part of the on-line Disney addicted community.

It is so great to have the parks and downtown Disney right next to each other. No catching crowded buses!

Make sure to read the sticky posts at the top of the page. Great Information and Hydroguy has perfect tips for WDW vets when in Disneyland.

--Eeyore's Wife

 

[dstorm]

We are planning a Disneyland vacation this summer and need some advice. We are planning to be there in July. We have gone to DW every year, for several years and we are DVC members. We are currently out of points so we are considering one of the neighboring motels off DL property. We are also thinking that 3 days in the parks will be enough. We are not familiar with CA much less DL. I am looking for any advice, particularly regarding the lengh of stay and motel information. We either need a suite with 2 bedrooms or 2 seperate rooms. We are traveling with 14 year old girl, 7 year old girl, and mother-in-law. Additionally, any advice on dining and activities for the kids would be great. Thanks

Just returned from peak season Christmas trip - We stayed at the Homewood Suites - they have fairly spacious 2 room suites (with door) that very comfortably slept 5 (two queens, one pull-out queen in living room) - also had a kitchen (full fridge) - Hot breakfast was included as well as a reception dinner Mon-Thursday (this saved us quite a bit of money - food was better than I expected) - I've also read there are some suite hotels/motels closer to the park within walking distance - but we were fine driving and parking.

With some planning 3 days is the perfect amount of time at the parks - even with afternoon breaks - This was our first trip to DL, - also WDW vets - and we really enjoyed both DL and DCA.

A fun activity for our kids - 14 / 10 was to take a break day, go to the Anaheim Garden mall (very close by) see a movie and go bowling at 300 Anaheim - Lots of fun stuff to do close by. But quite a bit different from WDW - My kids couldn't figure out how Disney could build a park literally in the middle of a 'city' with hotels and busy streets - so different from Disney World property - lol

Happy planning - should be a great time!

 

[alwaysready]

I was also a "Walt Disney World" girl, and then I rediscovered Disneyland as an adult. It is a wonderful vacation location!

Our family, with two teens and a baby, just did a week in Disneyland, and I enjoy having enough time to really enjoy all the park has to offer. I know there are those who say it can be "done" in three days, but I enjoy enjoying the park, not just being on a run the entire time.

Our kids also like to visit the Ocean, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, eat at In-N-Out Burger...you get the idea.

When we are in WDW we always stay on property, but do not at Disneyland. Howard Johnson in Anaheim is a popular location with disboarders. It is well within walking distance (about seven minutes from our room to the front gate, pushing a stroller) and they have family suites. Two rooms, bunk beds, pull out bed, two bathrooms, King sized bed, refrigerator, microwave, and a fun "pirates of the caribbean" inspired theme. Also, you can use the Entertainment Book discount there, during certain dates, and get the family suite for $99. Even when that rate isn't available, you can use their in-house reservations and get 15% off for being part of the on-line Disney addicted community.

It is so great to have the parks and downtown Disney right next to each other. No catching crowded buses!

Make sure to read the sticky posts at the top of the page. Great Information and Hydroguy has perfect tips for WDW vets when in Disneyland.

--Eeyore's Wife

Thanks!!

 

[alwaysready]

Just returned from peak season Christmas trip - We stayed at the Homewood Suites - they have fairly spacious 2 room suites (with door) that very comfortably slept 5 (two queens, one pull-out queen in living room) - also had a kitchen (full fridge) - Hot breakfast was included as well as a reception dinner Mon-Thursday (this saved us quite a bit of money - food was better than I expected) - I've also read there are some suite hotels/motels closer to the park within walking distance - but we were fine driving and parking.

With some planning 3 days is the perfect amount of time at the parks - even with afternoon breaks - This was our first trip to DL, - also WDW vets - and we really enjoyed both DL and DCA.

A fun activity for our kids - 14 / 10 was to take a break day, go to the Anaheim Garden mall (very close by) see a movie and go bowling at 300 Anaheim - Lots of fun stuff to do close by. But quite a bit different from WDW - My kids couldn't figure out how Disney could build a park literally in the middle of a 'city' with hotels and busy streets - so different from Disney World property - lol

Happy planning - should be a great time!

Thanks for the help! Did your vacation live up to your expectations? How did it compare to DW? It is hard for us to take the chance on something different than DW. We always have a great time and are comfortable with the area.

 

[HydroGuy]

Make sure to read the sticky posts at the top of the page. Great Information and Hydroguy has perfect tips for WDW vets when in Disneyland.

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

Another option for the OP is Residence Inn about 3/4 of a mile from DLR entrance. See the links in this thread:

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

 

[dstorm]

Thanks for the help! Did your vacation live up to your expectations? How did it compare to DW? It is hard for us to take the chance on something different than DW. We always have a great time and are comfortable with the area.

Quite a bit different than DW from a logistics perspective before you arrive at the park (for example, Downtown Disney is much smaller and actually connected to DL and DCA) - Prepare your kids - Castle is nothing like DisneyWorld - much smaller - Mattahorn ride towers next to it.

But once you get into the parks, the same strategies to a successful day at DW apply at Disneyland - it's a bit smaller - which is nice on the legs as well.

Follow HyrdoGuy's tips / suggestions above and you'll have a great time.

Our first vacation at DL exceeded my expectations. We'll wait until they get the new attractions finished at DCA but we definitely will return. You should have a great time.

By the way - one other suggestion depending on how much time you have in the area. First trip to Universal Studios for our family as well. (about 45 to 60 minutes away depending on traffic) - It was also fantastic. Definitely up to Disney standards from what I experienced. Great theme park, easily navigated in 1 day with a bit of planning. Makes me want to visit Universal Orlando on our next trip East.