First time to Disneyland

[karebear06]

We have always gone to WDW, but we are thinking of going to Disneyland in June, since our DVC points won't be in the system yet. How long do you typically stay? Do you just go to Disneyland? Where do you stay? Where do you fly in to? Do you rent a car? Is it busy June 14 - 21? So pretty much, we are clueless when it comes to Disneyland.

Thanks

 

[Cadillac_Dreamgirl]

Well we stay any place across the street.. there are a bunch of hotels at a 10-15 min walking distance.

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

its a bit old but it shows some hotels nearby... so u get an idea of what i mean. Alot of ppl here like HoJo Anaheim ...

 

[dharmster]

I'm also a WDW regular going to DL for just my second time this summer. I'll direct you to Hydroguy's tips which is so helpful for WDWers going to DL. His compliation is here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483
it's pretty much allearsnet for DL!

To answer your questions, I will be staying at Disneyland Hotel and will be renting a car (though will ride the monorail/walk through DTD mostly)...the other onsite hotels are Paradise Pier and Disney's Grand Californian (think Wilderness Lodge) and then Disney has a list of other area hotels they recommend as well. A big difference I found between DL and WDW is the feel of the parks...WDW is definitely an immersion where you can stay for 10 days (well I sure could!!) and just do WDW things. DL and California Adventure have more of a day-park feel to it and could be done in 3 days. Hydroguy is way better at describing the differences so go read his link now instead of mine!!

 

[karebear06]

I checked out the Disneyland website, and I could not find any availability at the onsite hotels. The only options it gave me was the Marriot and Sheraton. What do you think?

 

[bulldoggrl]

Hey, I'm a newbie here, but I'm a southern cali native, and a DL passholder. Any of the hotels around the park will be fine, there are either shuttles that run to the park or it is well within walking distance to the gates.

End of May-end of August are the BUSY times, so do be prepared for a crowd.

DL and DCA, if you've never been before, will probably be 3-4 days of activity for you. But you will be in sunny southern california, there is Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, the beach...Hollywood...tons of things to do. All those would require a car, or quite the expensive taxi ride.

I believe John Wayne Airport is the closest to Disneyland, and depending on the hotel, there might be a shuttle there for you, or you could just rent your car from the airport.

Read the tips the other poster directed you to, and good luck! If you have any park specific questions or anything, I can help you out!!