Former WDW CM planning a first-ever DLR trip on short notice

[TillyMarigold]

So my boss informed me today that he'd recently been reminded that he has travel funds to send 2 of us (of an office of 5, but I have seniority) to our profession's annual national conference, May 13-15 in Long Beach. And it so happens that I have a friend in the LA area who's never been to Disneyland who's moving to Canada this summer, and she and I had mentioned last time I was visiting her that we should take her son (currently 20 months old) before she leaves. So I'm thinking of flying out early to do that.

So a few questions:
1. Which airport is more convenient to Disneyland--LAX or Ontario? I'm afraid those are the only airports my job lets me fly into. I'm not concerned with how long it takes to get back, the conference will end at noon on the 15th and I'll probably book a 6 pm or 7 pm flight back. Just wanting to maximize park time at the start of the trip.

2. I assume, given the scarcity of hotels owned by Disney (only the Grand Californian is still available,and only concierge), that the simplest thing to do is stay in one of the many hotels and motels that are just outside the gates. Is that safe? I mean, it's not in a scary area, right? Could I walk to the park? Do the hotels have shuttles from the airport? My job won't pay for a car, so I'd rather not rent one. Of course we'll have my friend's car while she's there, but I'll probably arrive before her.

3. My friend is actually going to a conference the same weekend for *her* job! She'd have to leave first thing Thursday, AIUI. If I fly into LAX or Ontario on Tuesday the 10th in the morning (it's about a 90-minute direct flight for me), will most of Tuesday and all of Wednesday be enough to see everything that can be seen with a toddler? I'm not a thrill-ride person myself, anyway. I'll also have Thursday morning, Friday morning, and early Friday afternoon to spend there (conference events are Thursday afternoon, Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning). I have no concept of California Adventure, but I figure that would be more than enough time to see MK and DTD in Orlando, so it should be enough for DLR,... right?

4. How far is Long Beach from Anaheim? I don't suppose anyone knows how much a taxi would be?

5. Glancing at the website, is it fair to say that the DLR dining plans are a waste of money?

6. Any recommendations for someone who knows WDW pretty much inside out? What should I see at DLR? What would be too similar to be interesting? My last WDW was last May (actually because our conference was in Orlando last year.)

Thanks in advance! I'm sure I'll be bouncing off the walls with excitement when the panic recedes.

 

[HydroGuy]

So a few questions:
1. Which airport is more convenient to Disneyland--LAX or Ontario? I'm afraid those are the only airports my job lets me fly into. I'm not concerned with how long it takes to get back, the conference will end at noon on the 15th and I'll probably book a 6 pm or 7 pm flight back. Just wanting to maximize park time at the start of the trip.

Either one. I personally prefer Ontario. See "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

2. I assume, given the scarcity of hotels owned by Disney (only the Grand Californian is still available,and only concierge), that the simplest thing to do is stay in one of the many hotels and motels that are just outside the gates. Is that safe? I mean, it's not in a scary area, right? Could I walk to the park? Do the hotels have shuttles from the airport? My job won't pay for a car, so I'd rather not rent one. Of course we'll have my friend's car while she's there, but I'll probably arrive before her.

Totally safe. Lots of people. Very upbeat. Most hotels do not have shuttles. Too many airports nearby. See above link for Airport Proximity anmd Grount Transport.

For some hotel options, see the links here:

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

3. My friend is actually going to a conference the same weekend for *her* job! She'd have to leave first thing Thursday, AIUI. If I fly into LAX or Ontario on Tuesday the 10th in the morning (it's about a 90-minute direct flight for me), will most of Tuesday and all of Wednesday be enough to see everything that can be seen with a toddler? I'm not a thrill-ride person myself, anyway. I'll also have Thursday morning, Friday morning, and early Friday afternoon to spend there (conference events are Thursday afternoon, Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning). I have no concept of California Adventure, but I figure that would be more than enough time to see MK and DTD in Orlando, so it should be enough for DLR,... right?

OK, that is a lot of questions! In general you need a minimum of three full days to get a proper experience of DLR. However, with a toddler you will experience most of what is possible in a day and a half. The other days solo will give you plenty of time. Just choose well how you spend your days and pay attention to what is open and closed each day. For example, the outstanding Aladdin show does not show every day.

4. How far is Long Beach from Anaheim? I don't suppose anyone knows how much a taxi would be?

25 miles. We did Karmel shuttle last summer for $70. Taxi might be a little cheaper.

5. Glancing at the website, is it fair to say that the DLR dining plans are a waste of money?

Yep!

6. Any recommendations for someone who knows WDW pretty much inside out? What should I see at DLR? What would be too similar to be interesting? My last WDW was last May (actually because our conference was in Orlando last year.)

I do not know WDW inside and out but have gotten pretty comfortable with it - along with trips to DLR Paris and Tokyo DR. There are tons of tips here:

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

Have fun. May can be a great time to visit DLR especially if you have some weekend days mixed in.

 

[jdb in AZ]

John Wayne Airport aka Orange County is the closest to Disneyland, but if you aren't allowed to use it, LAX probably has the most flights, but it's also the busiest. And has the most interesting(?) people to watch. Ontario is smaller. Since your conference is in Long Beach, why can't you fly into the Long Beach airport? (just curious.)

Long Beach to Anaheim should be less than an hour, depending on traffic, of course. Figure $50 to $75 for a taxi. Check with Super Shuttle -- they may be cheaper.

Grand California is the best hotel in the area, but you already figured that out from the price. Embassy Suites is nearby and has a shuttle to Disneyland. Also check HoJo and/or Candy Cane Inn.

If you're looking for things that WDW doesn't have, you'll want to see the World of Color. The Matterhorn is mild in comparison to Expedition Everest, but it's a landmark of Disneyland. The Aladdin musical theatre show (about 40 mins) in DCA is also a must see. Blue Bayou Restaurant is pricey, but you can't beat the atmosphere (part of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.)

 

[ORDisneyfans]

Renting a car is super cheap on Priceline or Hotwire especially out of LAX! If you have to get to your conference everyday and to from the airport it woud be a lot less, especially if your hotel has free parking which many do!

Do not be afraid of driving in LA it is no worse than any other city. Yes they drive fast and yes you have to be aware of others but not too bad really! The worst is planning how long to get to each place. Especially during morning/ evening rush hour. You will have to leave early with a shuttle or taxi also! I live in a really small town with basically one freeway and have no problems in LA and vicinity.

Have fun DL is so much more intimate and fun than WDW! You can literally walk between the parks/DTD several times a day if you want!

 

[PineapplePrincessCA]

The dining plan isn't worth it.



The surrounding neighborhood is safe. I always feel comfortable walking back to our hotel with my kids.

 

[TillyMarigold]

Either one. I personally prefer Ontario. See "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Totally safe. Lots of people. Very upbeat. Most hotels do not have shuttles. Too many airports nearby. See above link for Airport Proximity anmd Grount Transport.

For some hotel options, see the links here:

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

OK, that is a lot of questions! In general you need a minimum of three full days to get a proper experience of DLR. However, with a toddler you will experience most of what is possible in a day and a half. The other days solo will give you plenty of time. Just choose well how you spend your days and pay attention to what is open and closed each day. For example, the outstanding Aladdin show does not show every day.


25 miles. We did Karmel shuttle last summer for $70. Taxi might be a little cheaper.


Yep!

I do not know WDW inside and out but have gotten pretty comfortable with it - along with trips to DLR Paris and Tokyo DR. There are tons of tips here:

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

Have fun. May can be a great time to visit DLR especially if you have some weekend days mixed in.

Thanks so much! Yeah, I know I rattle on. I'm trying to balance seeing enough to feel like I've had a mini-vacation with cost, since my husband can't join me so it feels unfair to spend a ton of money. And I can't believe I only have 3 weeks to plan! Eep!

John Wayne Airport aka Orange County is the closest to Disneyland, but if you aren't allowed to use it, LAX probably has the most flights, but it's also the busiest. And has the most interesting(?) people to watch. Ontario is smaller. Since your conference is in Long Beach, why can't you fly into the Long Beach airport? (just curious.)

Long Beach to Anaheim should be less than an hour, depending on traffic, of course. Figure $50 to $75 for a taxi. Check with Super Shuttle -- they may be cheaper.

Grand California is the best hotel in the area, but you already figured that out from the price. Embassy Suites is nearby and has a shuttle to Disneyland. Also check HoJo and/or Candy Cane Inn.

If you're looking for things that WDW doesn't have, you'll want to see the World of Color. The Matterhorn is mild in comparison to Expedition Everest, but it's a landmark of Disneyland. The Aladdin musical theatre show (about 40 mins) in DCA is also a must see. Blue Bayou Restaurant is pricey, but you can't beat the atmosphere (part of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.)

My job's authorized airports for Anaheim/Long Beach (anywhere in LA or Orange Counties, really) are LAX or Ontario. They won't pay if I don't fly into one of those. BTW they will pay for taxis but not a rental car. Even though a rental car is cheaper.

Really looking forward to World of Color! Have you ever done the picnic? I loved the picnic at Animal Kingdom at WDW.

Debating Matterhorn, I love the two MK rollercoasters at WDW but I'm sort of a ride wimp. I've ridden EE and enjoyed it, but it's not something I'd do often. I'll keep my eye out for the Aladdin show.

Renting a car is super cheap on Priceline or Hotwire especially out of LAX! If you have to get to your conference everyday and to from the airport it woud be a lot less, especially if your hotel has free parking which many do!

Do not be afraid of driving in LA it is no worse than any other city. Yes they drive fast and yes you have to be aware of others but not too bad really! The worst is planning how long to get to each place. Especially during morning/ evening rush hour. You will have to leave early with a shuttle or taxi also! I live in a really small town with basically one freeway and have no problems in LA and vicinity.

Have fun DL is so much more intimate and fun than WDW! You can literally walk between the parks/DTD several times a day if you want!

I've driven in LA lots of times (plus I'm from the NYC metro area originally), so I'm not worried about that. I'll definitely look into a rental car. It sounds like it may be cheaper than my original plan, even though my job would pay for some taxis if I don't rent a car.

I had hoped to do it like this: shuttle from airport to Anaheim, stay in Anaheim and do Disney (relying on friend's car when she gets there), have her drop me at the conference on her way out on Thursday, taxi back to Anaheim afterwards, taxi to the conference with my stuff on Friday afternoon, shuttle from the conference to the airport on Sunday.

The dining plan isn't worth it.

The surrounding neighborhood is safe. I always feel comfortable walking back to our hotel with my kids.

Yay! Thank you!

 

[jdb in AZ]

We got fast passes for World of Color so we didn't need to do the picnic thing. If you do end up staying at the Grand Californian, the WOC fast pass machine near Grizzly River Rapids is very close to the hotel's private entrance into DCA.

Hydroguy, have you thought of getting your dissertation published as a travel guide? 8^)

 

[vpalmer]

Debating Matterhorn, I love the two MK rollercoasters at WDW but I'm sort of a ride wimp. I've ridden EE and enjoyed it, but it's not something I'd do often. I'll keep my eye out for the Aladdin show.

We are WDW vets who did DL last year and we are headed back this year. I would not compare Matterhorn to EE, on the "scary meter." They are only the same in terms of being mountain roller coasters with scary snowmen. On the "scary meter" the Matterhorn is no scarier than Big Thunder Mountain.

We are actually taking friends to DL for their first trip in May-June. Our must sees for them: (We have 8 YO DD's)
-All of Fantasyland (about twice the number of rides and even the same rides here are just a tad different) Do this first thing in the morning.
-Toon Town: The atmosphere here is totally different than the now closed WDW version. Going here makes you realize why the closed the WDW version. The only two rides here are Roger Rabbit and the Gadget Coaster. Both are decent but the atmosphere is the best.
-New Orleans Square: Eat lunch at Cafe Orleans with your friend and split the Monte Cristo and pommes frites. Huge indulgence but you won't find it at WDW.
-World of Color: We did the premium seating and saw it right at the rail in the green section. It was fantastic!
-Aladdin Show - You have to plan for this as it is a rather long show and the times are limited. It would be a good break for the middle of the day if you plan to stay for the entire day.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hydroguy, have you thought of getting your dissertation published as a travel guide? 8^)

Almost did it couple years ago for those too lazy to search here on DIS. But dropped the idea.