Help for a WDW vet contemplating a DLR trip

[stargazertechie]

My husband and I just got married and honeymooned at WDW. We both pretend to enjoy running.


I'm thinking about surprising him with a DLR trip to run the 1/2 marathon next September.

I've read over the sticky, but I'm still a bit puzzled by the hotels.

I'm not going to call this a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip to DLR, but it's probably going to be the only trip for the next 10 years or so, and I want to really get the most of out of it.


Neither of us have been to CA before, so we want to see the sites outside of Disney, and I'm thinking that we can devote 4 or 5 days of our 9 day trip to Disney.


So my questions

1) With it being a once-in-a-blue moon trip, would you suggest staying at a Disney-owned hotel?

2) If yes, which one?

3) Will 4 days be enough to truly enjoy the parks, or should we reserve 5 days of our trip (not including the 1/2 marathon day) for the parks?

4) Which airport is most convenient to fly into? Does Disney offer transportation from the airports, or will we need to arrange for our own transportation?

 

[starshine514]

1. That's really up to you. I haven't stayed onsite at Disneyland because, well quite frankly w/ our APs and living in driving distance, I can do two offsite trips for the price of one onsite trip. I must say that the hotels on Harbor are convenient, but not magical. Onsite would be nicer if you can swing it financially.
3. Four days should be enough for two adults.
4. I believe the Orange County airport (SNA, I think...) Is smaller and closer than LAX. I don't have personal experience w/ this as we drive...Disneyland does not offee airport transportation, you'll have to arrange that on your own. There are shuttles or taxis.

 

[skiingfast]

My husband and I just got married and honeymooned at WDW. We both pretend to enjoy running.

I've read over the sticky, but I'm still a bit puzzled by the hotels.

1) With it being a once-in-a-blue moon trip, would you suggest staying at a Disney-owned hotel?

3) Will 4 days be enough to truly enjoy the parks, or should we reserve 5 days of our trip (not including the 1/2 marathon day) for the parks?

4) Which airport is most convenient to fly into? Does Disney offer transportation from the airports, or will we need to arrange for our own transportation?

Get some road bikes.

1. I think it really depends on how much you want to spend and how much time you are in the room. Because of the location of the race staying onsite adds a little more. GCH is really nice if you want to stay somewhere great on your visit.

3. 4 plus the half day should be great. With Carsland open, and great weather likely it's a good time to visit.

4. SNA(Orange County. It's close, but not everyone flies there. LGB(Long Beach is a good alternative. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

 

[KCmike]

4 days is plenty for 2 adults. Although we like to do at least 5 but we have teenagers with us.
Where else are you going in California? So much to see and do!!!!!! San Diego (think Hotel Del Coronado), Monterey, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park and the list goes on.
Grand Californian is the hotel for you! Location, location, location.
Where are you flying from? LAX is usually the cheapest.

 

[stargazertechie]

We've got a few options for airports. We're equidistant from both Detroit and Chicago, so we can fly from DTW, MCO, or ORD. We could also fly out of Grand Rapids (GRR), but the flight is most likely much more expensive.


I haven't decided what we will do for the rest of the trip- it all depends on what date the marathon falls on. I've got a week of vacation I'll be able to use at that time, so hopefully we can squeeze 9 days into the trip, even though it means I'll be jetlagged on the way home.

 

[rentayenta]

My husband and I just got married and honeymooned at WDW. We both pretend to enjoy running.

I'm thinking about surprising him with a DLR trip to run the 1/2 marathon next September.

I've read over the sticky, but I'm still a bit puzzled by the hotels.

I'm not going to call this a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip to DLR, but it's probably going to be the only trip for the next 10 years or so, and I want to really get the most of out of it.


Neither of us have been to CA before, so we want to see the sites outside of Disney, and I'm thinking that we can devote 4 or 5 days of our 9 day trip to Disney.


So my questions

1) With it being a once-in-a-blue moon trip, would you suggest staying at a Disney-owned hotel?

2) If yes, which one?

The Grand Californian.

3) Will 4 days be enough to truly enjoy the parks, or should we reserve 5 days of our trip (not including the 1/2 marathon day) for the parks?

Four with the half marathon should be perfect.

4) Which airport is most convenient to fly into? Does Disney offer transportation from the airports, or will we need to arrange for our own transportation?

Hands down, Long beach (LGB). It's the smallest and easiest to navigate especially if you are renting a car, which I'm guessing you are as you'll have 9 days.

 

[rentayenta]

I haven't decided what we will do for the rest of the trip- it all depends on what date the marathon falls on. I've got a week of vacation I'll be able to use at that time, so hopefully we can squeeze 9 days into the trip, even though it means I'll be jetlagged on the way home.

If you do 4 days at Disneyland/DCA, one day for the run, that leaves 4 days inlcuding travel days.....when is the marathon?

 

[stargazertechie]

If you do 4 days at Disneyland/DCA, one day for the run, that leaves 4 days inlcuding travel days.....when is the marathon?

If it follows the patterns of past years, it will be 9/2/2012 (the Sunday of labor day weekend).

I assume Labor Day will affect crowds. I think I'm OK with it, since we will have several days afterwards (or before) to enjoy the parks.


If it is 9/2/12, even cooler as that's our anniversary!

 

[skiingfast]

I assume Labor Day will affect crowds. I think I'm OK with it, since we will have several days afterwards (or before) to enjoy the parks.

Labor day does, but over the week it's not terribly busy. Most kids are already in school or it start right after labor day, so it's not really a week families can make busy.

Though you might want a taste of the parks the night of the raceday to see the fireworks or something, I'd see if you can finish the trip in DL.

 

[MichaelColey]

I can't believe nobody has directed you to the DEFINITIVE guide:

Hydoguy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets

We read the guide extensively before our first DLR trip, and it helped a bunch!

A few key points to keep in mind:

• Everything is much closer at DLR and you can easily walk from park to park (and to Downtown Disney).
• FPs are just a bit different.
• DLR doesn't really need advance planning like WDW does.
• Food isn't as central of a part of the experience at DLR as it is at WDW (and there's no dining plan).
• There are many ride differences (some unique, some better, some worse).
• It's not as beneficial to stay onsite at DLR and there are a bunch of hotels you can walk from. Of course if price isn't a major factor, go for Disney's Grand Californian. If price is a factor, don't fret at all about staying off site.
• You can easily do both DLR parks in 3-4 days, about half of what I would recommend at WDW. (We like to spend more time at both. We can never get enough!)
• DLR has something similar to EMH, but it's only in the mornings (on just some days) and only for multi-day ticket holders or those staying on site (one of the only perks of staying on site).
• The weather is WAY better in California.

Enjoy it! We love both WDW and DLR (and DLP).