First trip to Disneyland.....a few questions!

[Rhonda]

Our 20th anniversary is in March, and I've decided to surprise my DH with a trip to Disneyland! We're huge WDW fans (we go 3x a year), but we've both always wanted to visit DL, so here's our chance!

Just a few questions:

I have 2 free nights coming at a Sheraton, so I've made reservations at the Sheraton Anaheim (which I think is right by DD). Has anyone ever stayed there? Any reports?

It sounds like the best airport to fly into would be John Wayne (SNA). Is this correct?

We always use Tiffany Town Car when we go to Florida to get back & forth from the airport. Is there a town car service that you recommend in California, or a shuttle service?

I would love restaurant recommendations too, but I'll start a new thread for that one!

Thanks!

 

[The Chief]

The Anaheim Sheraton Rooms are very nice and roomy. Yes, it is right behind Disneyland Park. Have Fun and Congrats!!

 

[Captain Crook]

As WDW AP'ers who just visited DL for the first time this year, I have a thought or two.

First of all, I know it's tempting to use those free nights, but I'd save the points for the Swan or Dolphin. In our opinion you need to stay in one of the Disney Resorts for the most pleasurable experience - For instance your room is never much over a 10 minute walk away (especially at the GC). And staying onsite eliminates the feeling of being in LA.

I know price may be prohibitive but we're sure glad we decided against the Sheraton and stayed at the GC.

BTW the Sheraton does border the Disney property but I don't think it's a walkable distance to the front gate...

 

[The Chief]

I would have to agree with everything Captain Crook said. If money is not an issue, stay at one of the Disney Properties. It really does enhance the whole experience. I'll be staying at the GC in December for nights. Can't wait!!

 

[Rhonda]

hmmmm.......I feel the same way about staying at WDW, but I thought DL would be different, because it's smaller. And, since they only have 3 official hotels, I thought it would be the same thing if we stayed at the Sheraton. Maybe not though......

I think I'll keep my reservations for now, and keep watching for a good rate at one of the onsite hotels. If one comes up in the next few months, I'll grab it, and use my Starwood points at the Dolphin instead.

Thanks!

 

[Captain Crook]

Actually we felt like you initially. But once there you'll see that it's even more beneficial to stay on site at DL because you can walk to both parks & DD (& even off site if you choose). But if you stay at the Sheraton you'll have to take a shuttle, I guess, and you lose a lot of flexibility... At WDW staying on site still means travel to at least some parks. The closeness at DL is what makes the onsite experience so inclusive!

 

[Sonya in Boise]

For cheap prices on the Disneyland Hotels try www.expedia.com They usually drop their prices 7-10 days before your travel dates to the cheapest. Recently the DLH has been around 129.00, GCH 169.00, and PP 99.00. But again, these rates show up about 10 days before your vacation. These are also for standard rooms, no frills, and no spectacular views, although you can always ask for an upgrade when you check in (you never know).

If you are willing to use priceline check out www.biddingfortravel.com for bidding tips. The Hilton, Marriot, and West Coast have been going for 40.00 a night. These hotels do charge for parking which is an additional cost and I don't know the cost off hand. You could walk from these hotels or take the shuttle.

As for transportation from the airport, check out www.airportbus.com or supershuttle (don't know the web address). Airport bus is 10.00 one way, 18.00 round trip and supershuttle is 10.00 per person one way from John Wayne (prices may have increased since the book I have was published) I have also heard of people asking a taxi for a flat rate fee and it being around 30.00 for the disney area from LAX. Should be cheaper from SNA.

I would suggest writing the Orange County Visitors center and asking for the Visitors Guide.

Anaheim/Orange COunty Visitor & ConventionBureau
Box 4270
Anahem, Ca 92803

It has a lot of useful info including maps, area dining, numbers for the transportation places, and hotels. It comes faster if you request by mail rather than via the web site.

What a great suprise. Have fun planning.
Sonya

 

[Rhonda]

This is all great information! Thanks for all your ideas! And, Sonya, that's a great idea about writing the Convention & Visitors Bureau! I think I'll go to their website too!