First tme to DL with the family...............

[Lilypaige]

I finally talked DH into a DL trip for May 2008 and I'm pretty clueless on everything DL ! So first off I thought I would ask the basic questions that I need to get answered and I can go from there.

*What can I expect the crowds to be like. Seems to be May 8-15 will be a slower time as schools aren't out yet. (I know the weather might not be perfect, but we're from Seattle, so rain isn't a HUGE deal to us)

*Is 6-7 days going to be TOO long for DL?? We will be traveling with DDs 3.5 and 5.5 years old? We don't want to feel rushed at all!

*We are looking at the Sheraton Park at Anaheim Hotel, they say they are next to DL, is this a nice hotel?? We truly are trying to save on the hotel as we will probably only be there to sleep and maybe use the pool once or twice.

*Is it managable to do DL, Cali Adventure & DTD without a car??

I'm sure there is going to be tons more questions, I just have to answer these basic ones as we are completely clueless and want to get the VERY BEST DEAL that we can.

 

[JDel]

I don't know about the crowds at the time you are going, maybe someone else can answer that. The weather is usually pretty nice at that time.
I don't think any amount of time is too long for DL!! I think that will give you plenty of time to see everything and you can definately do all 3 without a car.
We stayed at the sheraton hotel and didn't like it too much. They do have a shuttle that goes frequently during the day, but there was one time we couldn't get on because of the crowds. In my opinion there are better places to stay that are around the same price. The candy cane inn is much nicer and closer-- and there are several right across the street from disneyland--castle inn, best western, ramada maingate. I'm sure others will help you out with that--it has been a while since I stayed at them and I can't remember all the details.
Have a great time!!

 

[Lilypaige]

Thank you Julie for your input. I will have to look into those other hotels that you mentioned. Only problem for us is that we are taking advantage of the Kids Fly Free with Alaska when it comes available. I've been told it should be available around Jan or Feb and will continue until June. And with doing this, you must stay at a DL hotels or a particpating hotels.

 

[Hound 109]

Thank you Julie for your input. I will have to look into those other hotels that you mentioned. Only problem for us is that we are taking advantage of the Kids Fly Free with Alaska when it comes available. I've been told it should be available around Jan or Feb and will continue until June. And with doing this, you must stay at a DL hotels or a particpating hotels.

Congrats on your first trip & have a great time planning,

I think Julie is giving you good info. You want hotels that are within walking distance. The hotels she mentioned are "good neighbor" hotels....Are they not participating on your package??

I recommend that you take a look at ALL of HydroGuy's threads on his Sticky (at the top of the first page). Lots & Lots of info, Including walking distances and Touring Philosophys. After reading these threads, you'll be posting again for questions on "inside info", since you'll have a good big picture feel.

Oh...& Boo!

hound -

 

[Lilypaige]

Hound...I will be reading all Hydo guys stuff, thank you so much. If those hotels are Good Neighbors then I believe they are included in the packages. I will have to look into this alittle more.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

If DL, DTD and DCA are the only places you plan to go then you DO NOT need a car. We drive down there every year and once the car is parked it stays in its spot until we leave.

Take Julie's advice and be within walking distance, anything else and you will have to use the ART system (kind of like a little buss) we used it last year and found that we wasted SO much time waiting for the bus to pick us up, in the morning and at night. This year we are right across the street. There are several right across the street, off the top of my head:

Desert Inn and Suites
Best Western Park Place Inn
Carosel Inn
Park Vue Inn
Tropicana Inn and Suites
Some Marriot
HOJO

A little further down:
Castle Inn
Candy Cane Inn

A lot of these places offer a basic continental breakfast too, refrigerator, and microwave.

Depending on the crowds, 6-7 days will be enough. We go for 5 days during the off season so the crowds are pretty low. Last year we did 4 days and with naps and stuff it just wasn't enough so this year we bumped it up to 5

 

[Hound 109]

the "some Marriot" mentioned above.....is a Marriot Fairfield. A nice basic motel. We stayed there & it was good.....just didn't want you to think it was a fancy Marriott.

Most here prefer the other lodging choices (mentioned by mommy & julie) on Harbor. & Be sure & price the DL hotels just in case....you never know.

After you've narrowed down your choices. Say between Hojos, Best Western & Paradise Pier (a DLH hotel)....post here again with the dates & I bet you'll get some good info on the cheapest rates.

The folks on the Dis are mighty thrifty.

 

[HydroGuy]

*What can I expect the crowds to be like. Seems to be May 8-15 will be a slower time as schools aren't out yet. (I know the weather might not be perfect, but we're from Seattle, so rain isn't a HUGE deal to us)

Be careful with "slower times", as there are things you may miss. I am sure the week you are considering is fine, but plan to be at DLR at least two weekend nights (Fri/Sat/Sun) to catch scaled back entertainment.

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

*Is 6-7 days going to be TOO long for DL?? We will be traveling with DDs 3.5 and 5.5 years old? We don't want to feel rushed at all!

My opinion it is that 3-4 days will be about right. Some people cannot get enough of Disney and would live there year round if possible. We have only ever done one four day trip and my kids were bored by day #4. My opinion is 6-7 days is too much. However, if you only spend fractions of the 6-7 days (for example, every day is half a day at the parks) then 6-7 days will work better. But IMO 6-7 full park days is too much for most people at DLR.

*We are looking at the Sheraton Park at Anaheim Hotel, they say they are next to DL, is this a nice hotel?? We truly are trying to save on the hotel as we will probably only be there to sleep and maybe use the pool once or twice.

No one size fits all answer with regard to lodging, but for my family a walking distance hotel is a no-brainer. There are at least 15 of these - 3 Disney and a dozen or more "good neighbors".

Read the following link and the links it contains for more info:

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

*Is it managable to do DL, Cali Adventure & DTD without a car??

Not only is it manageable, it is highly recommended to not use your car at DLR - especially of you can get a walking distance hotel.

See "Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580

I'm sure there is going to be tons more questions, I just have to answer these basic ones as we are completely clueless and want to get the VERY BEST DEAL that we can.

More tips:

1. Make sure you know how to use FastPass

2. Try to get an early start each day

3. Take a break in the afternoon for a swim and nap

4. Read this forum regularly and you will absorb lots of valuable info from the many participants

You may not be a WDW vet, but there is lots of useful info here for a first timer:

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

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Here are a couple more suggestions from someone also planning a first DL visit:

Check weekly on this LINK to see when TV shows about Disneyland are airing. The Travel Channel tends to have a few that show up from time to time.

Stop by your library and see if they have any planning books for Disneyland. They may not be the most current editions, but they can at least get you started and, if you like one in particular, you can pick up the 2008 edition when it comes out.