Grand Californian Questions!

[KarenB]

DH and I are tossing around some ideas for summer 2004 and looked at the possibility of spending a week at the Grand Californian.

It has been over 20 years since I have been to Disneyland, but from what I have read and remember, DL does not offer the same variety as WDW. (such as 4 parks, water parks, DQ, etc)


Does anyone know what areas of interest are nearby? How far away is the beach, cities such as San Diego, San Fransisco, etc? Can we take some day trips? How many days should we plan for the parks? IS a week too long in that area?

It will be DH, myself, and our DSs ages then 15 and 16. I always try to pull in some educational stuff on our vacations as well!

I threw out lots of questions but thanks SO much for any information!

Karen

 

[KNWVIKING]

Not far at all is Knott's Berry Farm which is reportedly a very nice amusement park,with a water park also. It's located in a several block area- that I can't remember the name of - that has several other attractions. USH is a LONG 35 miles away with the traffic. I enjoy driving around the WDW area,I hated driving around DL area.

 

[TnRobin]

We spent a week at the Grand Californian on points last year. It was great. We did Disneyland, Disney's Californian Adventure for 3 days, Did the Hollywood Tour thing. Spent a day at the San Diego Zoo - a bout 1.5 to 2 hour drive. Went to the Mission Capistrano - about a 45 minute drive. (excellent educational opportunity). Newport Beach is about 35 minute drive.

Go to the Disneyland Board here on the DIS. They were most helpful in planning our trip. They have a list of things in and around Disneyland that you can do.

We are hoping to go back again next year for another week and pick up Sea World, Knotts Berry Farms, Universal Studios......

 

[Caskbill]

It has been over 20 years since I have been to Disneyland,

You really won't recognize it, so much has changed. Some of the streets are gone, parking totally redone, and it's a direct walk from the parks thru Downtown Disney to the hotels, never having to cross any streets.

We were there just last week and stayed at the GC. For one thing it has an entrance directly into California Adventure. I timed it once. From our room to being inside the park was 2-minutes.

DL and CA actually face each other so it's an easy walk from one park to the other. Don't forget Downtown Disney. It's a lot like DD at WDW, but with some things different.

We stayed on DVC points which worked for us. Unfortunately they've raised the point costs from 2002 to 2003 and 2004 may be even more yet so that may be something to consider. But staying on site is great.

Keep in mind if you buy park hopper passes, they have a 2-year limit on their usage. Unlike WDW which is unlimited (so-far). Anyway, that's just another good reason to go back. We're planning another trip for 2004 also.

 

[trishy]

There's lots to do here. The only drawback is everything is spread out and there's none of that great WDW bus transportation! San Diego is roughly 90 miles from Anaheim - add in the crowded freeways and that takes some time. San Francisco is about 500 miles away and it usually takes us approximately 8 hours to drive (with a quick fast-food & bathroom break). In the direct area you have DL, GC, Knotts (in Buena Park - approx. 30 min. drive), Universal Studios ("Universal City" - basically Burbank - over an hour drive). Magic Mountain is in Valencia which is approx. a 2 hour drive. Keep in mind that if you are travelling the freeways midweek, add time those drives because of heavier workload traffic. There's some really great educational opportunities such as the theatres - check Ticketmaster for info on plays, musicals, tons of concerts. Some of the theatres. for example, Pantages has the Lion King (terrific!!! show), Mark Taper Forum always has some great plays showing. There are usually some sporting events going on regularly. Anaheim Angels just may make it to the World Series. Dodgers are nearby and so are the Padres. We got the Lakers and the (*gulp*) Clippers. Anyway there are so many things to do here besides DL. By the way, from DL the beach is just a short drive West and well worth the trip.

 

[dcfromva]

KarenB,
You are so lucky! I LOVE California--a week is not long enough because there is just too much to see and do!

Some educational spots:
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and birthplace:
link to the Nixon Library
This is a stone's throw from Disneyland and it is worth a look no matter what your political affiliation is. I found this to be an extremely impressive collection. (Also interesting to see RN's perspective on certain events.)

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library:
link to Reagan Library
This is also worth a look. They are supposed to have the old Air Force 1 on display there eventually (I'm not sure when). It is located in Simi Valley--which is about an hour North of DL (on a good traffic day). We picked Sunday morning for a visit and didn't have any trouble with traffic.

I would definately combine a trip with RR Library with the Getty Museum. This is a museum not to be missed. Our DS (11 at the time) doesn't have much patience with art--he loved the museum and would like to go back. The museum itself is beautiful and is a work of art on it's own. The views are great (on a clear day).
link to The Getty Museum

What kinds of interests do you have? Do you like National Parks?
link to Santa Monica Mountains NPS
link to Channel Islands NP
Link to Cabrillo NP (in San Diego)

Are you a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright's? There is the Wayfarer's Chapel. It is stunning!link to Wayfarer's Chapel

What we really enjoyed doing was going to DL/CA Adventure first thing in the AM for a couple of hours and then going to another tourist destination and then coming back to DL/CA Adventure in the evening!
You should probably consult a guide book because There are absolutely more things to see in the LA area than you have time for in a week!

-DC

 

[KarenB]

WOW!!! Thank you for all this wonderful information!!! I agree, we DO need to get some kind of book to get more information. Also, we are talking about a city a bit on the large side and like to know where we want to go and not go!

We did a little research last night and the points really go up over the weekend. We talked about using points at GC Sunday-Thursday, then maybe looking into something along the beach for Friday and Saturday nights instead of using all those points. We really want to get to the coast!

We quickly realized that there is SO much to see and do in that area. We feel a bit overwhelmed! I understand now how people can feel overwhelmed about their first trip to WDW!


It looks like our only option is to fly into LAX...is that correct?

Also, DH thought he read that we can book at 11 months out for GC? Anyone know?

Thanks again, and I will be asking many more questions as the time gets closer! I guess I better focus on this Christmas at BCV for now

Karen

 

[Toxicesq]

Actually, John Wayne Airport in Irvine (SNA) is closer to DL than LAX and much more manageable. Relatively small, rental cars on-site, etc. In September, we went home to New York from DL via Long Beach Airport (LGB), where American had recently started non-stops to JFK. VERY small airport. You walk onto the tarmac and climb up steps to the planes. But certainly easy to manage. It was about the same distance (maybe slightly longer)than going to John Wayne. I would definitely suggest that you take a look to see if either of them work with your travel plans.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

Hi! Also, just about 30 mins. from DL, in Long Beach, is the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific! Any more advice needed, feel free!!

 

[NancyDVC]

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel last year (couldn't get ressies on points for the GC). The GC is wonderful. We took the free tour of the GC one afternoon the Cm explained the arts & crafts movement and what Disney had done in that manner by getting California artists to create many of the designs and actual art work for the hotel such as the rug in the lobby, the front desk ceramic tiles etc. were all created by California artists.
The 3 restaurants are all wonderful. The premiere restaurant, the Napa Rose is pricey but thanks to friends we found out that you can eat in the 'lounge' area and just get appetizers, dessert, salads etc. not necessarily a full meal.
There is an area outside just off the lobby where there are rocking chairs around a fireplace-just lovely in the evening with a view of California Adventure. We also spent some time with a folkstoryteller in the lobby. Great 'historical' tales and atmosphere.
Our time was limited so we didn't get away from DL we had a blast. It was my first trip to DL so I was very excited. with only 5 days we didn't have much time to roam so we didn't rent a car.
If you want more DL info go to www.laughingplace.com. This is a great DL and general Disney site.
We flew in and out of Ontario, Ca on Jet Blue. Jet Blue now has service to Long Beach as well.
My advice is to go for it. Next time I plan to spend more than a week!

 

[Pam Lau]

You cannot begin to compare the old Disney Land area with the upgrades that have taken place over the past few years with the opening of California Adventure. We stayed at the GC and it was wonderful plus the convenience factor. We had picked up a Fast Pass earlier in the day for the raft ride. Later in the day, we used the private GC entrance went straight to the ride, rode it and were were back out of the park in 15 minutes. The new DD couldn't be more appropriately placed than right between the entrances to both parks.
If budget is a concern, stay part of the week (weekday vs. weekend) then head over to San Diego where a reasonable and adequate hotel can be found. Our kids really enjoyed visiting LaJolla (about 15 minutes north of Mission Bay area). There is a beach where the seals come and lay out and around the cliff is a beach where you can swim. Best of all, it was free, and they didn't want to leave. Amazing after all the $$$ we spend on amusement parks. Coronado Island and Point Loma are also nice places to visit w/o spending a lot of money.

 

[sueg]

Karen B,
I second the vote for John Wayne Airport over LAX. It's run the way an airport should be. The tkt. agents actually took the time to joke w/ youngest DS. I'm not used to that kind of airline experience when we fly out of Newark or JFK & I don't think you'd get that folksy feel in LAX. The drive from DL to John Wayne (also known as Orange County airport) was painless, even for a fledgling west coast driver. When we returned our rental car, something was felt behind & the National employee ran after us as we walk to our flight.(which we were a zillion hrs. early for because we allowed so much time for traffic, getting lost & general airport problems, but there were none)

 

[KarenB]

I checked on flight fares/times for "this" June (we are going June 2004) just to get a feel of prices and how long it would take to get there. Going from Harrisburg to John Wayne is actually better times and less money!!!

Thank you SO much....we would have never considered this airport! I went out and bought a guide book, Frommers California.

Pam, I was looking at the LaJolla beaches, they sound wonderful. Our kids love to explore nature and see the natural surroundings of the area.


Now I don't feel as overwhelmed........just very excited!!!!

Karen