First trip (in about 3 decades) to DL

[carj]

I went to DL when I was 7 and will be 37 when we go this summer! I remember nothing about my visit, except that I loved the teacups! I am really excited about taking the kids, ages 8 and 5 to Disneyland. We will be there June 26-July 3.

The best part is, the kids have no idea that we are thinking about going! We went to WDW last year and we told them about a month before we left. I think that we will do the same thing this time!

We will be driving from Texas and this is going to be a rather complicated trip. My husband will be flying to San Francisco for work for 4 days in the middle of the trip.

We are planning on 8 nights in Anaheim. I would really appreciate any input that you can offer. The Dis was such a great source of info when we went to WDW. Here are my questions:
How much time should we plan on spending at Disneyland?

My son desperately wants to go to Legoland and I am planning on 1-2 days for that and the Sea Life Aquarium. Too much, not enough? Also, mapquest has it at about an hour drive, is that fairly accurate?

I have also promised that we will visit the beach this summer. Any suggestions on where to go?

Thank you so much for reading!

 

[Sherwin]

I went to DL when I was 7 and will be 37 when we go this summer! I remember nothing about my visit, except that I loved the teacups! I am really excited about taking the kids, ages 8 and 5 to Disneyland. We will be there June 26-July 3.

The best part is, the kids have no idea that we are thinking about going! We went to WDW last year and we told them about a month before we left. I think that we will do the same thing this time!

We will be driving from Texas and this is going to be a rather complicated trip. My husband will be flying to San Francisco for work for 4 days in the middle of the trip.

We are planning on 8 nights in Anaheim. I would really appreciate any input that you can offer. The Dis was such a great source of info when we went to WDW. Here are my questions:
How much time should we plan on spending at Disneyland?

My son desperately wants to go to Legoland and I am planning on 1-2 days for that and the Sea Life Aquarium. Too much, not enough? Also, mapquest has it at about an hour drive, is that fairly accurate?

I have also promised that we will visit the beach this summer. Any suggestions on where to go?

Thank you so much for reading!

At DLR, a good healthy length visit should be a minimum of 4 days. 3 days you can do but it will be more of a rushed visit. It's not like WDW where you need a week, but since you can literally park hop between both parks, you don't need too much time. But hey, the more the better!

Unfortunately, I've never been to Legoland or the aquarium, but it sounds like 1-2 days would be fine for that.

 

[Stacerita]

I would do only one day at Legoland and one at Seaworld. And it is just about an hour, as long as there is no real traffic jam. Usually just about an hour or so though. I would consider staying somewhere in that area to visit those to places. Maybe at the begining of the trip or the end. Much easier than driving back and forth for each.

I don't think I am the best to judge how many days for DL. I have an AP and go quite often. I am sure you will want to do everything. I would give about 2 -3 days for DL and 1-2 for DCA. 4-5 days total for both should be fine I think.

It will be hot and crowded that time of year. Be prepared for that. So plan to go early and use FP.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I've never been to Legoland, but have read many reviews & one day is plenty for this park. Its been years since I drove from Anaheim to San Diego so can't help on that either (but sometimes just getting out of Anaheim takes an hour due to traffic...lol)

Disneyland & DCA is great & we never go for less than 5 days....but that's just us. We actually schedule figuring on large crowds & to see everything we want to, we plan extra time. In 2005 we went end of June thru July 5th. It was crazy busy that week & lines for the rides were quite long, so you'll need to keep that in mind when planning.
There are so many things to experience at the parks, so when the lines get long for the rides.... take a seat & people watch or watch the boats on the Rivers of America, take in some of the free entertainment offered at both parks, go see Aladdin, the Musical (absolutely fabulous production), take your kids to DCA to run thru the water fountains, etc. etc.
Check out all the informative information at the top of the page when you first log onto these threads. It covers pretty much anything & everything.

I hope that helps a little...... Have a magical trip & have fun planning it !!

 

[HydroGuy]

I went to DL when I was 7 and will be 37 when we go this summer! I remember nothing about my visit, except that I loved the teacups! I am really excited about taking the kids, ages 8 and 5 to Disneyland. We will be there June 26-July 3.

I love DLR in the summer! Here are some of my thoughts... "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

How much time should we plan on spending at Disneyland?

Ahh, some terminology is in order... Since 2001 Disneyland (DL) is a theme park at Disneyland Resort (DLR). DLR has two theme parks, DTD and three hotels. So technically you will be visiting DLR, and DL will be one of two parks you will visit.

As said by others here already, most consider three days to be the minimum needed for DLR. Four is better.

My son desperately wants to go to Legoland and I am planning on 1-2 days for that and the Sea Life Aquarium. Too much, not enough? Also, mapquest has it at about an hour drive, is that fairly accurate?

Sorry, but I grew up in SoCal and never heard of Sea Life Aquarium. Legoland will be an hour away. At best. At worst it could be 2-3 hours. Depends on traffic. Choose travel times wisely.

Is it worth going? With say four days at DLR and one at the beach, that will leave you three days. If they are into Legos they will probably enjoy Legoland. I would say yes.

I have also promised that we will visit the beach this summer. Any suggestions on where to go?

Newport Beach would be my top recommendation. Huntington Beach would be a close second.

 

[carj]

I really appreciate the help!

I would prefer that we travel some time other than that week but that is what we are going to have to deal with.

I don't think that the heat will bother us too much, we are definitely used to that. I will be prepared for the heat though. For some reason, I had in my mind that CA was much cooler.

Thank you.

 

[LavenderPeach]

Sorry, but I grew up in SoCal and never heard of Sea Life Aquarium.

It's the new Aquarium next to Legoland. I've never been but I've read a couple of reviews where people though it was good for little kids but not as good for older kids.

I would agree that 3-4 days at DLR is a good idea. I've heard 1 day is enough for Legoland. Maybe you could do one of the beaches down in San Diego while you're down there. Sorry, I don't know the beaches down there well enough to make a recommendation though. I know a lot of people like Hungtington but honestly, I'm not that impressed by it. I personally find the San Diego beaches to be nicer but honestly haven't spent that much time at them so don't know what my opinion is worth.

 

[HydroGuy]

It's the new Aquarium next to Legoland. I've never been but I've read a couple of reviews where people though it was good for little kids but not as good for older kids.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks.

I would agree that 3-4 days at DLR is a good idea. I've heard 1 day is enough for Legoland. Maybe you could do one of the beaches down in San Diego while you're down there. Sorry, I don't know the beaches down there well enough to make a recommendation though. I know a lot of people like Hungtington but honestly, I'm not that impressed by it. I personally find the San Diego beaches to be nicer but honestly haven't spent that much time at them so don't know what my opinion is worth.

A good beach in San Diego for families is La Jolla Shores. If you go there, be sure to walk (or drive) down a little to La Jolla Cove and the rocky point. I used to live about 2 miles from there. Great place. Parking is very tight on weekends. Do a weekday if possible.

 

[Hound 109]

I really appreciate the help!

I would prefer that we travel some time other than that week but that is what we are going to have to deal with.

I don't think that the heat will bother us too much, we are definitely used to that. I will be prepared for the heat though. For some reason, I had in my mind that CA was much cooler.

Thank you.

You're from Texas....even if hot in SoCal....it's cooler & less humid than TX (or Orlando). & it's normally even cool at night in SoCal, so don't let these Californians & Coloradians etc. scare you about the heat.

Hopefully some SD folks will chime in, but i remember a very nice beach near Legoland (maybe Del Mar?) with a park area & everthing. (Near a train station i think). & I agree that Newport & Huntington are great too. One could spend a couple of days poking around & thru the beach communities of Huntington/Newport & Laguna.

I'm a 4 time WDW vet & now much prefer my visits to DLR (for a variety of reasons). When you go, realize that DLR is MUCH different. Embrace the differences & it might (magically) grow on you as well.

Read up on HydroGuy's Tip Threads (found in his signature & in a sticky at the top of the DLR page) & have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[carj]

You're from Texas....even if hot in SoCal....it's cooler & less humid than TX (or Orlando). & it's normally even cool at night in SoCal, so don't let these Californians & Coloradians etc. scare you about the heat.

Yeah that was kind of what I was thinking!

I really appreciate all the information so far. Now I am going to have to start to narrow down our choices. There is too much to do!

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[S. S. Columbia]

I also think that 4 days would be better than 3, since it's almost like a first visit; you have been to WDW many times; and late June is a busier time. You can see plenty in 3 days, but IMO 4 days would be better.

When it comes to California beaches, I know absolutely nothing except what's been posted on this forum. I have also heard good things about Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, but I just want to add that I've heard that Corona Del Mar Beach (near the south end of Newport Beach) has fans because it's smaller and more secluded than Newport Beach; and like Hound109 mentioned, Laguna Beach is known for its beauty and atmosphere.

FWIW, just wanted to share. :