First Visit To Disneyland--need All The Help I Can Get

[DisneyFans4]

Okay, so we're due for a change! Have to going to WDW for almost 11 straight years and now we're due for a change.

I appreciate any help on what is a good package to book with whom, should I book myself, which hotel on property is a good one, etc.

There is myself, DH and two teenage sons.

Thanks!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

First stop, Hydroguy's tips here. Note especially the one for WDW vets.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Hooray, you're family is coming to DL for a first visit!!!

First, I would recommend reading "HydroGuy's tips" sticky at the top of the page. Great info for WDW vets and first timers too.

For packages, I've found the "Stay 3 nights get the 4th night free" deal the best. It's usually announced in June or July, and it's normally good for stays from September through mid December. I've booked this package two years in a row, the first time through the Disneyland website, and this year I booked it through Costco.com. I actually like to book through Costco because you get a few extra perks thrown in that you don't get when booking through the Disneyland website. For example I got a quote from both the Disneyland website and Costco.com for 5 nights at the Paradise Pier Hotel and 5 day park hoppers for my family. The quoted prices were exactly the same, but since I'm a Costco member booking through Costco.com, we also got a $25 Disney gift card (just 1) and a free character breakfast (for everyone in our party).

If you're not a Costco member, but have a friend that is, your friend can book the package for you using their membership number. And you won't be required to show a Costco membership card at check in, so don't worry about that.

Some also like to book packages through Getawaytoday.com. I've also booked through them and have found them to be very reputable. My only qualms with Getawaytoday is they send you "ticket vouchers" instead of actual tickets, and in the past we would have to stand in line at a ticket booth to exchange the vouchers for actual tickets to enter the parks, which was a bit time consuming and annoying. But maybe this isn't the way it is now.

Also, AAA can offer some great packages, so if you're a AAA member, check on their package prices as well and any extra perks they may offer.

For onsite hotels, all three can deliver a great stay depending on what you're looking for. The GCH is the most upscale, has wonderful theming, and the best location of the three, but they also have the smallest rooms, and with two teenage sons, I don't think I would recommend it. You'll either get a room with a queen bed and bunk bed (the bunk bed would be a little small for teenage boys I think), or you'll get a room with 2 queens. None of the rooms have sofas except the rooms with one king bed or the suites

I would recommend the DLH for you. The rooms are bigger, and many have 2 queen beds and a sofa that makes into a bed, which would be great for two teenage boys that don't want to share a queen bed. Also, many rooms have a large sink/vanity area seperate from the bath/toilet area, so that makes getting ready a bit easier for everyone. Also, there's the wonderfully themed Neverland Pool that you all might enjoy, great landscaping and waterfalls, a quiet pool, and although there's an arcade at the hotel, right next door is the ESPN Zone, which your teenage boys might like to venture over to and get a little "away from our parents" time.

Of course the PPH would also be comfortable since they also have large rooms with 2 queens beds and a sofa that makes into fairly comfortable single bed. The bathrooms are large, but the vanity/sink area is located in the actual bathroom with the toilet/tub, so keep that in mind for getting ready in the mornings. Also, the PPH has the longest waterslide (but least themed pool area, although it's still nice), and the pool deck offers nice views of the fireworks with piped in music/narration. It's about a 5 minute walk to the ESPN zone or the DTD Monorail station.

Hope that gets you started a bit in the planning process. I'll be around (and so will many others) to answer any questions you may have.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Disneysupermom---thanks so much for the info, it has been very helpful!

One of my first thoughts were the hotels since I know nothing about them but DLH sounds like the one for me. Also, let me clear up that to me my boys are teens but they are actually adults, 18 and 20, so no way will they share a queen bed. However, 2 queens and a sofa bed would work fine. Now are suites the only rooms that have 2 bathrooms? I'm so used to having 2 rooms when staying at WDW because I have a friend that works there and I get a family rate but going to Disneyland I will be paying full price.

I do have AAA and as bumbershoot mentioned I do belong to Costco--thanks for that tidbit bumbershoot because I never gave them a second thought for booking a vacation package!

I can see I have alot of work to do but will check out the site you both mentioned.

I feel so lost trying to plan this trip. I'm an old pro at planning a WDW trip but now this is all new.

Of course DH just doesn't want to do Disney but also visit other areas in CA. This is also my first visit to California!! DH has been there twice on business but not us so of course he wants to see alot of things. We're going to 2 weeks so we figured one week in Disneyland/Calif. Adv. (is that enough time to do both parks?) and the second week going along the coast.

Your thoughts or suggestions?

 

[jonsmom57]

I am also a WDW vet and we are also planning our first trip to DLR.

Oh my goodness, so much info to learn. It's like visiting a foreign country.

Check out the 6 Day So. California Pass - it includes 3 days at DLR, Seaworld, Hollywood Studios and a choice of San Diego Wild Kingdom (i think that is what it is called ) or San Diego Zoo. I also learned you can take an Amtrak train from Disneyland to San Diego. Who knew?

 

[DisneyFans4]

I feel so lost reading all this info about DLR but yet there are definitely things to see!

Mention was made that during the summer DL stays open longer than WDW. What time do the parks close at DL during the summer?

I plan to visit in August so temperature wise it doesn't seem bad at all. I'm used to the mid-90's at WDW.

I'm also looking forward to the different rides but I will truly miss Epcot which is my favorite park.

I see we're better off not renting a car and I only need about 5 days there which is less than I anticipated so I have my research cut out for me.

 

[jonsmom57]

I feel so lost reading all this info about DLR but yet there are definitely things to see!

Mention was made that during the summer DL stays open longer than WDW. What time do the parks close at DL during the summer?

I plan to visit in August so temperature wise it doesn't seem bad at all. I'm used to the mid-90's at WDW.

I'm also looking forward to the different rides but I will truly miss Epcot which is my favorite park.

I see we're better off not renting a car and I only need about 5 days there which is less than I anticipated so I have my research cut out for me.

I think humidity wise, it will be more comfortable than what we are used to.

I agree - we have our work cut out for us.

 

[disney-super-mom]

During the summer months:
DL is usually open 8am-midnight
CA is usually open 10am-9pm

And it was actually me that recommended checking out Costco.com vacation packages. However, I know that bumbershoot would have too.

And I agree about missing Epcot. We loved Epcot when we visited WDW in January. What a great place with so much to see and do!

 

[DisneyFans4]

And it was actually me that recommended checking out Costco.com vacation packages.


Your are right, so sorry about that

Wow, they do stay open late. Now I have to convince my son to give DL a try. He is so used to WDW and so am I but I'm willing. It's taking alot for me to not visit this year because of Epcot but we've never been to DL and I think we should give it a try.

My boys are 18 and 20. I know you gave a great explanation of all the hotels but which one do you prefer and which is the closet to the parks or are all of them.

I didn't know they had a Downtown Disney!! That was a nice surprise to see. Is it far from the parks like when visiting WDW? Do they have just as many stores?

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[21yankees]

Downtown Disney is very close to both parks (walking distance). They have quite a few stores, restaurants, etc (I don't think it's as big as the one at WDW).

We've only stayed offsite so I can't help on the DL hotels.

Enjoy your planning (to me it's the second best part about going).

Steph

 

[DisneyFans4]

Check out the 6 Day So. California Pass - it includes 3 days at DLR, Seaworld, Hollywood Studios and a choice of San Diego Wild Kingdom (i think that is what it is called ) or San Diego Zoo. I also learned you can take an Amtrak train from Disneyland to San Diego. Who knew?

Where do I check this out? Sounds great but why is Calif. Adv. not included?

So do you definitely need to rent a car? We plan to go for 13 days so we can try to fit everything in. Is that enough time? If we started at DL and then decided to take an Amtrak to San Diego, do you need a rental car once in San Diego to get to these other parks?

 

[trodrigue]

We just got back from our trip and we did the southern california citypass. Beware, it is not for the weak. It about killed us! But we tried to do it all in 8 days and that was just too much going for our young family. (I will be posting a trip report in the next few days if you want to read all the gory details). However, with all adults and two weeks, this offers an exceptional value and the opportunity to see a lot of stuff.

It actually includes a 3 day park hopper pass, which is good for Disneyland and DCA both. And, unlike WDW, the parks are so close that it is easy to go back and forth between the two parks several times a day. Honestly, if you plan ahead, you can do all the rides, and most of the shows and parades in 3 days, provided they are offered on the days that you choose. And then you have one day at universal studios, which is less than 30 miles away, but takes an hour or two to travel back and forth to, a day a SeaWorld, and then the zoo or wildlife center (both of these are on huge hills and require a lot of hiking, so be sure to get fit).

I have to tell you, although we enjoyed the other parks, they certainly do not have "the magic". I would actually recommend viewing everything else first and then doing the Disney portion. We did Disney first and then by the time we got to the other places, it was a bit of a let down.

I have to say, be sure to visit Hydro Guys tips for WDW veterans. It is full of great information. Happy planning.

T

 

[DisneyFans4]

I've been to that site and it has been really helpful!

I was thinking the same thing, where do you start and end the trip. I'm all excited about visiting DL for the first time and would want to go first naturally but would agree on ending it there.

Thanks for the tip on the zoos because my son and I have asthma so I'll have to be prepared!!

We were thinking of staying 13 days and breaking the trip up half and half.
So this pass does include both DL and CA? How much is that pass?

When is the best time to visit as far as when the kids go back to school in CA, July or August?

 

[tinkermell]

Where do I check this out? Sounds great but why is Calif. Adv. not included?

So do you definitely need to rent a car? We plan to go for 13 days so we can try to fit everything in. Is that enough time? If we started at DL and then decided to take an Amtrak to San Diego, do you need a rental car once in San Diego to get to these other parks?

WOW!
What a wonderful trip you have planned.

To answer some of our questions.
I also think you should start your trip in San Diego, and go to DL last. I would difinately rent a car, as San Diego is so pretty, and just alot to see, besides the Zoo. Mission Bay, La Jolla, and Coronado Island where the Del Coronado Hotel is. That is what the GF in WDW was designed after. Then drive up the coast and take in San Jaun Capistrano....a little gem of a town along the beach. Actually there are so many, it's hard to choose. From there you can check into your hotel of choice, and stay at least 5 or 6 days. This will give you a chance to see DL, Hollywood, and some of the beaches close by. Huntington, Newport, and Laguna Beach are all really close. They are all fun. Laguna is real artsy and beautiful. Newport has all the eyepopping houses along the beach that you can walk by on the strand. You can also walk to Balboa Island and see the harbor. Huntington has the alot of surfers, volleyball and a great pier with Rubys on the end. Along the Pacific Coast Highway which runs right here are a ton of exoctic cars going by that you will never see in your life anywhere else. It is heaven for my DH and DS to see.

Then after you are done in Southern California, where do you want to go? Yosemite? Santa Barbara? San Francisco?

Oh and one more tidbit. Alot of first timers wish they had at least 4 days at DL and DCA. After you read Hydroguys tips you will realize that they pack alot into the 2 parks. I think your sons will love it here. Oh, and DTD is not nearly as big as WDW, but it sure is convenient. They have alot more non-Disney stores here than WDW.

I will try to explain the DTD set up. If you were to step out of the DLH, and start alking to DL, you would be walking through DTD. Along the way to your right you would then walk by the GC which is in the middle of DTD. Then just a little farther you come to the bag check. After you get through that, you are in the Esplanade. If you were to look left that is DL. If you look right that is DCA. Take your pick!!!!!!!!

Have fun planning, and keep up the questions, and welcome to the DL DIS side!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Tinkermell--thanks so much for your helpful info!!!

Can I do all this in 13 days? Sounds like so much!!! DH has been to Calif. twice on business and has always told me how beautiful it is so for me and my boys it will be our first time so I do want to try to see everything.

Sounds like so far I'm starting the trip in San Diego then. How much time do I need there from start to finish? My dates are Aug. 9 to Aug. 21 as of right now but I can change them if need be. I've made no air travel arrangements. Those dates were picked just because of air fare rates on those dates. So if I start Aug. 9 in San Diego, when should I leave to head to DL?

My boys are 18 and 20 and I don't want them to be bored either. My 20 year is looking forward to it but my 18 year old is still that type of boy that loves parks and not sightseeing, he can't appreciate that yet.

 

[tinkermell]

Tinkermell--thanks so much for your helpful info!!!

Can I do all this in 13 days? Sounds like so much!!! DH has been to Calif. twice on business and has always told me how beautiful it is so for me and my boys it will be our first time so I do want to try to see everything.

Sounds like so far I'm starting the trip in San Diego then. How much time do I need there from start to finish? My dates are Aug. 9 to Aug. 21 as of right now but I can change them if need be. I've made no air travel arrangements. Those dates were picked just because of air fare rates on those dates. So if I start Aug. 9 in San Diego, when should I leave to head to DL?

My boys are 18 and 20 and I don't want them to be bored either. My 20 year is looking forward to it but my 18 year old is still that type of boy that loves parks and not sightseeing, he can't appreciate that yet.

Hi again!

I can understand not wanting your boys getting bored. I can't imagine them getting bored at the beach. There is so much to see and do there. Even if it is just walking along the strand, and people watching. There will be every imaginable kind of people there. Skatebording, biking, rollerbalding, volleyball and surfing. We love it there and so do my children who are now pretty well grown up. But they have always loved the beach. They are also into cars, which is why I mentioned that tidbit too.

If you go to Seaworld, you will already be in Mission Bay. Not far from there are all of the other places I mentioned within an easy drive. You will need a day each at the zoo, and Seaworld. 2 nights/3 days in San Diego should do it, and then on your way back to DL take in some of those other sites if you want. The Hotel Del Coronado is gorgeous, but maybe something you could skip if you need. La Jolla could be a stop going back north. Get a good map and start getting your bearings to see what you want to fit in.

How far north would you want to go? Yosemite is drop dead beautiful. If you come in August, the waterfalls will not be as spectacular, but the park makes up for it anyways. The giant redwoods are amazing to see in person. If you were to leave DL you could make it in one day. Probably about a 6-7 hour drive? I've never tried from there. I live in the central valley of California, and it is about a 2/12 to 3 hour drive for me. Even though your son might get bored, it would be something he would never forget, and come to appreciate it later.

There is alot to see in California, so I know you need to pick and choose. The California and West boards might help you out too.

Good luck!

 

[DisneyFans4]

You've been so much help tinkermell!

I have documented everything you and the others have told me and now I need to talk to my TA. I usually book all our trips but California is so foreign to me that I need her advice but all you guys here on the boards have been such a tremendous help because as far as I'm concerned, nobody knows better than the DisMembers!!!

We've all been there and done that so all you guys are the pros in my book

 

[keishashadow]

I am also a WDW vet and we are also planning our first trip to DLR.

Oh my goodness, so much info to learn. It's like visiting a foreign country.

Indeed we are finding it quite intimidating, just not as much info out there for some reason.

While I did purchase the '08 Unofficial Guide & earlier version of Passporter (believe another will be out this spring?); i've gotten the best info on this board

 

[DisneyFans4]

While I did purchase the '08 Unofficial Guide & earlier version of Passporter (believe another will be out this spring?); i've gotten the best info on this board

This is so true. DH wanted to go out and buy the book since DL is foreign to us and I told him that my friends at the DisBoards is all I need


Whatever info all of you have or suggestions please just keep providing them to me because I am saving them all to help me plan this trip. Oh....I know there are probably many hotels in San Diego but if we start there first we are Starwood members so are there any Westin Hotels in the area we can stay at? I've built up so many points from our stays at the Swan that I'd rather stay at a Westin.

Another thought I had. If we start in San Diego I will need a car. AFter that leg of the trip is over would you suggest driving to DL or dropping the car off and then taking the train? Some of suggested that the train is a beautiful ride and I've never been on one of those either.

 

[JohnZ46]

Hi Disneyfans4,

I live in San Diego and can offer a couple suggestions.

Look for a hotel in the Mission Valley/ Hotel Circle area. They'll be a little more economical than the beach hotels, but they'll be very centrally located. Both SeaWorld and the Zoo are less than 5 miles from this area. The trolley also runs through this area for easy access to the Old Town, downtown, and Gaslamp areas.

Here are some links that might be helpful:

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors/VisitorInformation

http://www.coronadovisitorcenter.com/things-to-do.html

http://www.hoteldel.com

http://www.buysandiegotours.com

http://www.belmontpark.com/

http://www.balboapark.org/