First time to DL

[Pembo]

If we plan to fly into SNA, will we regret not having a car? Looking at staying at the Best Western Park Place which I've read is the closest offsite hotel. Are there restaurants within walking distance? Trying to figure out logistics for our trip in March.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You won't regret it -- Uber/taxi/shuttle/car service should get you to your hotel just fine. And the same will help you get around town if you need it. Everything else -- the parks, restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacy, etc. -- is within walking distance! If you will need groceries, look into Vons.com or Amazon.com to have them delivered to your hotel.
This thread has good information: Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information.
This sticky thread from the top of the first page has LOTS of great threads with a wealth of great information for trip planning:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

 

[SteveH]

If we plan to fly into SNA, will we regret not having a car?

By the time you price out a rental, gas, parking it, etc. it leans in favor or Uber/Lyft, and the lack of hassle (IMHO) makes it an even better value. One of our friends rented a car at Disney, which she needed for some longer trips. She's not very experienced with Uber/Lyft but after a couple days with us she really questioned why she had the car the whole time.

Looking at staying at the Best Western Park Place which I've read is the closest offsite hotel. Are there restaurants within walking distance?

Yes. But you can find some great help if you put in Best Western Park Place in google maps then use the "nearby" button, put in restaurant and a list will pop up. If you like go get away from chain restaurants check out the Anaheim Packing District, its a short Uber away an no chains.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If we plan to fly into SNA, will we regret not having a car? Looking at staying at the Best Western Park Place which I've read is the closest offsite hotel. Are there restaurants within walking distance? Trying to figure out logistics for our trip in March.

Will you be needing any car seats or boosters? Uber/Lyft do not provide these in CA, so bring your own. If needing travel boosters, Mifold and Bubblebum (Amazon.com has good prices) get good reviews here. For car service, Lansky's Car Service does provide car seats and boosters upon request (note this when you reserve). Lansky's also provides a short grocery stop on the way to your hotel and gets great reviews here.

 

[Blue32]

Though sometimes more expensive, the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney have some really good restaurants.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I notice you have WDW experience, so these threads will be helpful for you:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- from the sticky threads at the top of the first page -- TONS of great information here!
From that sticky:
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so many helpful threads here!
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- absolute must reading for you!
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- very helpful info here -- ask any questions! At DLR, it's not about on site or off site -- it's all about location, location, location! What you invest in location/hotel, you will save in sanity, peace of mind, physical wear and tear, major convenience, commute/parking time and money, etc.
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- most WDW vets love MP once they use it -- read up on it here and ask all your questions in this thread!
"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by @3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297 -- very helpful info here -- closest airports to DLR are SNA (John Wayne) and LGB (Long Beach).

Happy trip planning!

 

[tsumgirl]

The Anaheim GardenWalk is within walking distance, and I found they have quite a bit of variety there.

 

[DLgal]

Though sometimes more expensive, the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney have some really good restaurants.

Agree. Literally all the Downtown Disney restaurants are great. Most of the resort ones are as well. I'd recommend sticking to what is on property. Nothing in the nearby vicinity is anything special or worth a trip/walk.

 

[BrandonH]

The Denny's just outside the park can be a good choice. It's 24 hours, they usually play good music to get you in a positive mood, and it's decently priced.

 

[PiratesMansion]

If you're not doing anything other than DL, you're totally fine without a car.

 

[Pembo]

Thanks everyone. And to LuckyRabbit for the links.

 

[SeattleTink]

My last trip in May I didn't rent a car, and so glad I didn't. I was worried, because I really like to be able to go to the grocery store and buy a few things. I stayed at the Grand Legacy and they now charge $17 a day for parking, plus tax. After looking at the price of the rental, plus parking and gas, I opted to just Uber. I saved probably $200! I ended up walking to Walgreens and got everything I needed. I didn't miss the car one bit.

 

[hootey]

You won't regret it. We fly into SNA and take a shuttle to hotel every time we visit the parks now. Plenty of places to eat around DL including Fast Food places.