first time Disneyland questions

[sbb2012]

We were going to do another WDW vacation in June 2013 but I think we have decided we want to try Disneyland since we haven't gone. None of us have ever even been to California. I've been researching it, but still have a lot of questions.

1)How many days do we need to enjoy Disneyland if we also want to see other things in southern California? We plan to be in the area for a total of 7 or 8 days.

2)Besides Disneyland, what other southern California things would you say are a "must do"? We are not interested in any additional theme parks.

3)Do we need park hopper tickets? Or should we just plan to see DCA on its own day?

4)Is it easy to find parking for Disneyland, or should we plan to stay close enough to walk?

I apologize if these questions have already been answered. I tried finding answers in the forum already.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This is a helpful thread and should give you lots of good info: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

1. This depends on your personal style of doing the parks. If your family likes to take breaks each day for rest and swimming, and if you like to take time exploring the parks and seeing shows and attractions, then 4 or 5 days should work. If you are all about the rides and go, go, go from opening until closing, then 3 days should do it. We like to take our time. Park atmosphere is so rich at DL and DCA. Also keep in mind that park hours vary and that nighttime shows are weekend only during low season.

2. What sort of things are you interested in? The beach? Shopping (high end or outlet)? Museums? Let us know your interests and what time of year you plan on visiting so we can help you more specifically.

3. Yes! The parks are so close to each other (literally a minute or two apart) that it would be a shame not to park hop each day. And, yes, it is possible to spend a whole day exploring DCA, but parkhopping is to easy at DLR to pass it up.

4. DLR parking lots are easy to find and to navigate, but if you can stay walking distance to the parks, it will be a lot easier (and save you $15/day).

Lots of people will be chiming in with lots of good info for you, so don't be afraid to ask more questions.

 

[KiwiMouseGirl]

1. it really all depends on the pace you plan on running at. We had 3 day park hoppers in April/May, which was off season and not busy at all, walked onto rides before 12pm when it started to get busier. I was so rushed that I actually forgot to do some of the tings at the top of my to do list. I reccomend making lists of the rides that you want to do, and then cross checking them with some touring plans. We used a 2 day touring plan while we were there and managed to finish each one before the crowds set in by taking out the rides that we didn't want to do and following the rest to the T.

2. As I am not a SoCal local I don't know too much about the area. But would maybe suggest a day in Hollywood, or at the beach. I know you said you aren't interested in any other theme parks, but Im going to suggest Universal Studios anyway seeing as its only an hour-ish away. The new Transformers ride is amazing!

3.I would suggest park hoppers! We really enjoyed being able to hop between the two parks and do whatever we felt like. We were there for one weekend day, and dedicated that to seeing all of the entertainment on offer and trying to stay away from the crowds. So it was good for us to be able to hop between DCA, where we spent the day doing the Art of Animation Accademy, Seeing Aladdin, and riding a few rides with fastpasses or low wait times, then being able to hop over to DL to get good seats for the parade, then back to DCA to use fastpasses, then back to DL to get good spots for the fireworks and to see F!

4. We didn't drive while we were over there, so im not too sure about parking. We stayed at the best Western plus Pavillions which is about a 15-20 minute walk depending on the pace your travelling at. We didnt mind the walk, and there was an ART stop right outside our hotel that we used in the evenings when our feet were sore. I'm already planning my next trip during October next year and am planning on staying close to the resort. It's really handy to be able to wander back to the hotel in the afternoon for a swim, or to change your clothes if you get soaked on GRR (cough) You also don't have to leave as early if your planning on arriving to the parks before opening ( which I highly HIGHLY suggest. Like I said earlier. Walked onto everything in the morning and stocked up on Fastpasses for later on in the day.It was amazing!)

Hope this helps a little! Hah!

 

[Mary09]

I don't think 7-8 days at DL on your only CA vacation makes sense. Anaheim is seedy and un-scenic. DL/DCA can be done well in half that time. I'd go to San Diego, maybe see the zoo, depends on your mix of kids/adults/interests. There are gorgeous parts of CA, maybe just drive the PCH for a while and stop and see some beach towns.

 

[Huff]

1)How many days do we need to enjoy Disneyland if we also want to see other things in southern California? We plan to be in the area for a total of 7 or 8 days.

2)Besides Disneyland, what other southern California things would you say are a "must do"? We are not interested in any additional theme parks.

3)Do we need park hopper tickets? Or should we just plan to see DCA on its own day?

4)Is it easy to find parking for Disneyland, or should we plan to stay close enough to walk?


Typically 3 days at DLR is about right if you intend to see nearly all shows, rides and attractions. 4 days if you want a very relaxed slow pace, breaks for nice lunch and dinner, time shopping in DTD etc.

The beaches are always a good way to spend an afternoon. Huntington or Newport beaches are about 20 miles away. A car or bus ride is needed. Farrells Ice Cream parlor is a must if you have a car. Its 8 miles away and brings back memories of the classic Farrels of decades ago.

Hoppers are much more desired at DLR than at WDW. Thats because the two parks are minute or so walk apart. Hoppers makes it easier to see the shows, parades etc. you want with the flexibility to not miss anything.

There are two main parking areas for Disneyland. First is the HUGE Mickey & Friends garage. From there Disney provides a free tram ride to Downtown Disney near the DL/DCA gates. Second is the Toy Story lot. Its an open lot, plenty of spaces and free buses to the gates. Both parking areas charge $15/day.

If you won't be renting a car then a walking distance hotel may be the best. However, for less money you can usually get a nice resort 1-2 miles from Disneyland which has their own shuttle or uses the ART shuttles to Disneyland (small fare).

 

[Larissa]

Parking isn't the cheapest (still cheaper than parking Downtown where I live, so it's all relative). We always try to walk because we fly down anyway and just take a shuttle to the hotel.

I'd spend at least 2 days/park, perhaps a 3 for a favourite park. You don't need to hop, but it is way easier to hop in DL than WDW.

 

[Sherry E]

Again, this is another old thread -- with the most recent post (prior to Larissa's) being from September 2012.