First Visit to Disneyland- HELP!!!!

[DisneyD]

I'm California Dreamin!!! Hubby is going to a conference in San Diego which isn't THAT far from Disneyland, so guess where we're spending a few days??? Here's the problem. I'm a WDW pro, but I've never been to Disneyland. I know nothing about the quality of hotels, how easy it is to get around, etc.

Here are some questions for posters:
Opinions on hotels; Disney-owned vs. Good neighbors?
How far is the airport from Disneyland Resort area?
Vacation package vs. booking items separately; yes or no?

Thanks Dis fans!

 

[kjh]

I am going to San Diego for training later this month and will be meeting my mom & DD in anaheim (they're flying up to meet me). I looked into booking airfare from San Diego to LAX but the airfare was about $200. not what I wanted to spend so I am driving up. Another option I was going to look into was Amtrak. Might wanna take Amtrak from San Diego to DLR if you don't want to drive. We will have a rental car but that's only because I insist on having in-n-out burger and going to the character warehouse (disney outlet). Other than that people get around just fine without a rental car (and many do). I've flown in to LAX only and drove to DLR area and the drive is a little over an hour for us. but SNA (John Wayne aka Orange County) is supposed to be closer, like a 20 minute drive? Someone else will chime in about that i am sure. I've only stayed off site but from what i gather, the quality of the hotel room in PPH or DLH is similar to what you get at BWPPI or Tropicana Inn but you'll get those at a much cheaper rate. Most peopel stay for the atmosphere, feeling like they never left disney. I book everything separate. I have yet to get a quote for what or better than I can book myself (although I am sure they are out there).

 

[DisneyD]

Thanks a lot for the valuable info. I hope we're not disappointed in the differences between WDW and DL. I'm going with an open-mind, but WDW is so magical in every way and I love the resort area. I've been told that DL is a real city-feel and totally different.

Either way, looking forward to going out west!

 

[LucyKate]

1. - The big difference between DL and WDW is that there are no hotels at DL that are truly "on site", apart from the Grand Californian. Unlike WDW where you have to stay at a Disney property or face a long drive, many of the Good neighbour hotels are as close, if not closer, than the Disney properties.

The Disney properties tend to be more expensive (and the GC is the most expensive hotel in Anaheim) but many here prefer them because they believe they add to the Disney experience. With the GC you also have direct entry into the DCA section of the parks.

Trip Advisor rates the best 3 hotels in Anaheim as the GC, then Candy Cane and Howard Johnson. The latter two are moderate hotels at a great price. We stayed at HoJo and loved it - it's about 10 minutes walk and a lovely hotel. But the CCI gets similar reviews. However, just as many here willo tell you they had a great time at the other two Disney properties.

2. From San Diego you are probably better off driving - it's about 2 hours drive to Anaheim. As mentioned you have the choiuce of three airports - John Wayne SNA is the closest - about 25 minutes away away. But factor in check in times, flight times etc, driving would be quicker, cheaper and less hassle.

3. I booked everything separately using the internet, but that was because from overseas (I'm in Australia) the packages on offer we're all hugely overpriced (the HoJo was three times the price got on the net) and limited. I suspect you will have more competition for your dollar in the US.

 

[lntsmom]

in San Diego and hotels in Anaheim. The cost one way is $41 for adults. round trip is $72. Here's the contact information:

Coach USA Anaheim Tour Center
2001 S. Manchester
Anaheim, CA 92802
Reservations: 714.978.8855
Toll Free: 800.828.6699
e-mail: anaheim.reservations@coachusa.us
website: www.coachusa.us
www. AnaheimSightseeing.com

They request 48 hours advance reservations.

I would not pay $200 for the plane fare! That's crazy considering you can drive it in the same amount of time you can fly...and for less than 1/4th the price. (Even crazier when you consider that right now it costs $78 to fly to Anaheim from Kansas City!!!!)

 

[tinkryansmom]

OK - I'll chime in, having grown up in So. Cal and gone to college in San Diego.

Driving to DL from SD is easy. I agree, to fly it is silly. Do be aware of when you travel through the northern part of San Diego - traffic can be horrible. I have been to DL a gazillion times and have actually never stayed onsight. With the options of hotels you are sure to find something. Atmosphere is what you pay for onsight, which is what other people have said. I agree.

Go to the dcltribute.com sight. Dave has a great hotel map of the Disneyland area everything is labeled very clearly. I don't recommend staying anywhere other than Harbor Blvd IMHO unless you need something special in a hotel. The walk can be a killer after 12 or so glorious hours in the parks.

I am headed down this weekend and am staying at my new favorite hotel. Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites. It has gone through renovations and is now a good neighbor hotel and it sits directly across the street from the entrance. The great thing about this hotel, they adopted the suite mentality. The bad thing is parking stinks. One car per room. And we drive a SUV so the underground parking is kinda tight.

The Candy Cane Inn has been renovated also. I have not stayed there in forever. IMHO the distance is the cincher. We have also stayed at the Fairfield Inn - it's clean but honestly would not stay there again as we had DD backpack and Pixter disappear during a christmas trip 2 years ago and feel the hotel handled it horribly. So that is just a personal thing.

Give the dcltribute sight a try and book away!! Have a great trip!! You gotta love those conferences!! DH is making plans to go to Japan....I am hoping I may get to tag along and see Disney Tokyo.!!