First time to California for our 10 yr anniversary!

[tazgirl1981]

Hello everyone. Well with me being born in Florida and growing up here most of my life. I am VERY familiar with Disney world (our second home). Well June 5th is Hubby and my 10 year wedding anniversary and we have decided that we will go to California for the first time for us both. We also have a 3 year old little guy that will be coming along with us. We are for certain wanting to do Disneyland (since we have never been) and possibly also The San Diego Zoo and Legoland. Since we have never been to Cali before we are at a loss on what all we should do, where we should go and what area we should think about staying...as well as hotels and other info. I am hoping that by visiting this section of the forum that I can gain some very useful advice to help in our planning and decision making.

We will probably be spending at least a week in California and would like to take in as much as we possibly can within reason (with a very good little 3 year old traveler). We are used to traveling with our son so going from place to place isnt really too big of a deal with us or him. But does anyone have any suggestions on what is not to be missed or what would probably be the best attractions in the cali area for a 3 yr old? Besides the legoland and disneyland and zoo?? Thanks for any help Its greatly appreciated!

 

[HydroGuy]

Early June is grad night time, and is still considered off-season. Here are some links:

Grad Nights: http://www.grad-nights.com/gradnightcalifornia.htm

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

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

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

 

[Misskitty3]

Hydroguy has probably given you all the info you need to plan a great trip!

Here is what I tell my friends that have never been to DLR before:

Either stay on-site (Disneyland hotel, Pacific Paradise or Grand Californian), if you can afford it! There are tons of great places for a whole lot less just across the street from DLR - Hojo's and Candy Cane Inn are both very popular here.

I recomend a minimum of 3 whole days at Disneyland and Calif Adventure.

We are doing Legoland in May and that will be our first trip there so no info on that yet - except you can look into the Brickmaster Club and sign up -- you get 1 free ticket to Legoland for the $39 joining fee. I have started a thread here on the subject: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2050826

The beaches in CA are a lot colder than the beaches in FL so that may or may not be something you want to look into doing.

If you are planning a weeklong trip, I think 1 day at Legoland, 1 day at San Diego Zoo and 3 days at DLR would be a great itinerary.

 

[tazgirl1981]

Thank you both so kindly for the information. I will be sure to read up on those links to get as much info as possible!! We are so excited as this is our first time out there.

 

[Misskitty3]

BTW, the Disney hotel is Paradise Pier NOT Pacific Paradise -- I wrote my answer to your question before having my morning coffee! Sorry...

The advantage to staying on DL property is that you can do Magic Morning for your whole stay on the days they offer MM. The advantage to staying off site is a HUGE $$$ savings!! However, if you buy a 3 or more day park hopper, you can get 1 MM for you stay without having to stay onsite.

Check out Getawaytoday.com for prices on tickets.

 

[daneenm]

Legoland will be terrific with a 3 year old. We have only been once, but had children ranging from 3 to 9 when we went and they could all do almost everything. We really loved it.