First Timers to Disneyland in May...help!!!!

[DevinsMom]

My mom and I are seasoned WDW'ers...but I've always wanted to go to Disneyland..and guess what we are in May...yeahhhh.

I have a couple questions...will we be able to do Disney and California Adventure in two days. We won't be doing the fast rides like Space Mountain etc. Just the shows and more tamer rides!

Also, we are trying to decide between Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites and the Hyatt South on Harbour.

Has anyone stayed at these hotels? If so, which one is the best option...we are picky hotel people! lol

 

[KBinCO]

I can't help with those hotels.

I think it will depend on the crowds and the hours in the parks. It's just two adults? Without kids, you should be able to navigate faster and do more. If there are longer hours, and you plan on being there from open to close, I think you should be able to get most things done... assuming you are not going on the weekend. Take advantage of fastpasses and the app to check wait times. Our first time, WITH kids but low crowds, we did almost everything we wanted in two days. Definitely prioritize your must dos and knock them out first. Maybe make an "A" list and a "B" list and don't waste time doing the B list until everything is marked off the A list.

 

[DevinsMom]

Thank you for your response! I think we are going to go ahead and do the 3 days just in case as I doubt we will get back again.

 

[KBinCO]

I think 3 days is ideal if you have them. Enjoy!

 

[mjdis17]

I went to Disneyland for the first time (2 adults, no kids) in late May last year and all of the crowds/lines were very tame. I expected much worse and was pleasantly surprised so you should be good with that time of the year. Disclaimer: We only did Disneyland because it was a one day trip, so I can't exactly comment on California Adventure. However, since you won't be going on any of the fast rides, which basically would all have the longest lines anyways, you should not have any issues doing both parks in 2 days. We went on all of the big rides of Disneyland multiple times, plus the shows and tamer things, AND had a 3-4 hour hotel break in between with absolutely no issues. I will say that I think 3 days is better, especially if your schedule can be accommodated to fit the extra day, so that you will feel a little less rushed and have the option to re-visit things if you don't get around to them the first time.

For the hotels, I didn't stay at either of those but we did stay at the Red Lion which is a Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel and it was beautiful. We got a fantastic rate and it was super close to the park. It's definitely up to par with the three you suggested and we are also picky people who had no problems and were giddy once we saw the grounds and the room. I can't recommend it enough! Only downside is it had no continental breakfast but I didn't look into the ones you suggested enough to see if they did either (don't know if that's a deal breaker for you).

Lastly, it was colder than I expected. During the day it was in the high 60's so shorts and a t-shirt were fine. I was thrilled to not have the humidity and sweating that comes with WDW. However, I felt differently once the sun set because it got chilly at night. That's something I never really thought about because WDW is still humid/warm at night. Just something to consider. I wished I had a thin zip up sweatshirt that I could have brought with me for the night time. Maybe that was just poor planning on my part and you are already educated on California's climate haha, but I figured I would pass the tip along!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I've heard good things about all 3 hotels, so it really comes down to best rate, loyalty points (if you want to earn them), and perks (do you want the hot breakfast and manager's special? Then ES is a great choice).

Take advantage of single rider lines, use FPs, and eat at off peak times. That will help you make more efficient use of your time in the parks.

Have you read this super thread: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets ? Lots of helpful info there.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'd stay at the new courtyard Anaheim theme park entrance. Or Hyatt house-I thought it was being built close to there.

 

[SplashMo]

Consider seeing F! and WOC. You might enjoy the French Market for some healthier CS. INDY is a much better ride than the Dinosaur ride in AK (uses the same technology but a much better theme).

You can use the single rider lines to save time. Park hop every day. The parks are very close.

 

[Disney_Alli]

We really enjoyed the Sheraton just down Harbor but I've never stayed at any of the hotels you've mentioned.

 

[Skiton]

My mother and I took my kids to DL just before Thanksgiving two and half years ago. We stayed at Embassy Suites and spent two days in the parks (with park-hopper passes). ES was great for us. We choose it because of the free breakfast in the morning. We wanted to get up and feed the kids before we hit the parks with a minimum of hassle. It really was the best free breakfast I've ever had at a hotel. There was an omelette station and lots of other hot options as well as cereal, toast, oatmeal, etc. The dining area is kind of a hoot, it's jungle-themed with a koi pond and this mechanical lion sitting on a rock that roars every now and then. Rooms were what you'd expect from an ES, they're all pretty much the same. Shuttle service to the parks was easy and efficient.

We got a decent amount done in two days, and this was during a holiday week. We were there at rope drop both mornings and out of there by about 3:00 (that was all my kids could handle at their ages). I would have liked a third day, but my mom thought two was plenty.

 

[sherilaine]

Consider seeing F! and WOC. You might enjoy the French Market for some healthier CS. INDY is a much better ride than the Dinosaur ride in AK (uses the same technology but a much better theme).

You can use the single rider lines to save time. Park hop every day. The parks are very close.

Just a note - Fantasmic is not playing due to the Star Wars Land development - it has not been announced when it will return.

 

[sharona]

Stayed 2 nights at ES South in 2014. Parking was difficult after 8pm due to sharing the lot with 2 other Hiltons, room was good - very spacious and clean, breakfast was decent but crowded - there were several High School bands staying there and if you didn't get down to breakfast before them it was chaos. Not sure how often this happens but I would think due to it's size that ES is a popular hotel for large groups. If I were traveling without kids I would avoid ES as the brand is popular with families with little ones due to the extra room and free breakfasts.

 

[texasgingerbread]

Just back from Homewood Suites. Perfect location to walk to Toy Story shuttle parking lot and hop on the bus. They don't care at all. When we used our MM we took Uber for $4.95 (includes tip). NO complaints would stay there again. My boys used the basketball court, pool, spa, and we used the laundry room. Breakfast was very well done and housekeeping good. The only complaint I have is the half wall to the bunk beds but if that doesn't bother you then you'll be fine. At the end of the day I wanted to lay in bed and watch TV but we just moved to the living room.

 

[avalon451]

You might want to look at a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland (you can usually get a copy from the library; I have the 2016 one out on loan right now). They have some good touring plans in the back for 1 or 2 day visits.

They also have an interactive website and phone app that will create a personalized plan for you. You just enter what you'd like to see, and it also allows for shows and meal breaks. I think the Disneyland one costs $7.95, and it's a lot of fun to play around with. So that might be an idea to help you plan your days.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[DevinsMom]

I cannot thank you all enough for your responses...they were a huge help.....I'm starting to get really excited for my first trip to DL!!!!!!

 

[wench]

Be warned. There are a few of the slower rides that get long lines early in the morning that will last pretty much all day. Peter Pan is generally the worst, followed by Alice & Mr. Toad's. I would recommend you be there at park open & hit them first thing.