Help First Time DisneyLand/24 Days to Plan

[Candismom]

Need a little help from the Disneyland pro's.
Hi I have been to Disneyworld 4 times and this is my first time to DisneyLand.
DH decides we can do a trip in March (kinda hard to get summers off and this is the best time to only take my daughter out of school 3-5 days then the rest of the trip falls on March break) Anywho I have 24 days to book a trip to Disneyland which I haven't been reading to much on except the last few days. I'm feeling very overwelmed.
When I usually plan trips I'm on DIS for months to a year before had... :-o Always have had nice trips with a good cheap budget.

So could I please please have a few ideas..
I bought 1 2008 CityPass have to buy 2 more but will get those next week. I order a Best Western Gift Card from Airmiles.. Didn't have much airmiles left since I bought all our tickets for Free dining in September.
Best Western is for hotel along the way since were driving from Ontario Canada. So we have a car. My dates range from arriving anytime between March 7-9 and leaving -15-18 staying 6 days. Depends when we leave..
Oh yes.. It's me,dh, and dd 16 years old. No friends this year....

So I'm thinking of doing Disney 2 days(have 3 free) and Universal 1 day (have 2 free) and in the citypass it includes Seaworld and San Diego Zoo . So I'm wondering on some good hotels near seaworld and San Diego and if I should stay at the same hotel near disney for the Universal park day.
Moderate hotel or a nice clean economy.
Thanks for any ideas...

 

[SSRJen]

Howard Johnson for your days at Disneyland/Universal are my recommendations.

As far as the zoo...would you like to experience Downtown San diego as well. If so, I recommend The Sofia Hotel. We stayed there when we were evacuated during the October Wildfires and I can not say enough about their service. The rooms were very clean and it actually felt comfortable there. It also has great access to the Downtown Area of San Diego.

Otherwise, check out some of the hotels in Hotel Circle. The Town and Country is pretty nice.

 

[Golfing Goofy]

I think your plan sounds great. One reminder, since you will be there during a busy time, I suggest that you be sure to call Dining and get your PSs for your meals. Especially if you plan on Blue Bayou or any of the other popular spots.

Have fun!

 

[DLR29]

I think your plan sounds great. One reminder, since you will be there during a busy time, I suggest that you be sure to call Dining and get your PSs for your meals. Especially if you plan on Blue Bayou or any of the other popular spots.

Have fun!

However coming from WDW, you need to know that dining is not nearly as hyped at DLR. Definitely read Hydroguy's tips (especially the one on WDW vets)