Help...help...help

[jillybeene71]

Im a WDW vet that just decided to check out DL. I am a single mom with an 8 year old son. I am terrified to travel to Cali alone and I have so many questions its overwhelming. I just need someone to take a few minutes and help a girl out. I have read the stickys, but I still have specific questions.
We are going from July 3-10 or the 11th

1. Which airport is closest and which airports does DL have transportation to/from?

2. Should I rent a car right when I land and use it all week or just take Disneys trans and rent a car when we head out to Universal and sea world?
Are 3 days ok to see most of DL/CA or should I plan for 4?

3. Should I plan on 2 days in the Universal area? like 1 day in Universal and 1 day sightseeing Hollywood? What is a good hotel in that area thats not too expensive or dirty looking? Not fancy just a place to sleep?
Can the Disney Studios tour that is offered in Adventures by Disney available to tour on your own or is that a perk by signing up with Adventures?

4. How far is Sea World from Anaheim and Is that worth going see?

5. Im thinking of the Hojo just from what Ive read on these boards, do they have a park view/balcony to watch fireworks at night? If not which hotel should I look into for that, something right across the street if possible.

Sorry if these questions sound stupid, but I am petrified of change, lol but excited to see a "new" Disney. Id appreciate ANY info that would ease my mind a bit about traveling alone. thanks

 

[CrazyDuck]

1. Which airport is closest and which airports does DL have transportation to/from?
John Wayne (SNA) is closest. Disneyland express goes to SNA and LAX

2. Should I rent a car right when I land and use it all week or just take Disneys trans and rent a car when we head out to Universal and sea world?
Are 3 days ok to see most of DL/CA or should I plan for 4?
3 is fine... 4 is better... rent a car for a whole week and get discount!

3. Should I plan on 2 days in the Universal area? like 1 day in Universal and 1 day sightseeing Hollywood? What is a good hotel in that area thats not too expensive or dirty looking? Not fancy just a place to sleep?
Can the Disney Studios tour that is offered in Adventures by Disney available to tour on your own or is that a perk by signing up with Adventures?
Stay near Disneyland, drive to Universal

4. How far is Sea World from Anaheim and Is that worth going see?
2 hours to drive. Not worth it unledd you are going to stay in a hotel in San Diego and do other things there like Wild Animal Park, Zoo, Lego Land

5. Im thinking of the Hojo just from what Ive read on these boards, do they have a park view/balcony to watch fireworks at night? If not which hotel should I look into for that, something right across the street if possible.
Not sure... Only view I ever got was of 5 freeway!

 

[HydroGuy]

1. Which airport is closest and which airports does DL have transportation to/from?

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

2. Should I rent a car right when I land and use it all week or just take Disneys trans and rent a car when we head out to Universal and sea world?

You do not need a car at DLR. If you rent it for the whole week it is only to get a better rate.

Are 3 days ok to see most of DL/CA or should I plan for 4?

If you focus on the parks and get going each morning on time, take afternoon breaks, and have some idea of how to do DLR (rider order, FP order, etc.) then three days is enough to see "most of Dl/DCA". Otherwise you may be better off with four dys.

3. Should I plan on 2 days in the Universal area? like 1 day in Universal and 1 day sightseeing Hollywood?

If you have time I would do two days just as you have said.

4. How far is Sea World from Anaheim and Is that worth going see?

Yes, worth it if you are into that kind of thing. About 80 miles. IMO SW strengths are the shows and exhibits. The are weak on how they offer and manage rides. They are weak on food offerings too. We gave up on their food and just bring a cooler in the car and take a break at lunch to their parking lot.

Sorry if these questions sound stupid, but I am petrified of change, lol but excited to see a "new" Disney. Id appreciate ANY info that would ease my mind a bit about traveling alone. thanks

Hang out here for the next few months and hopefully we can ease your mind. You are in for a real treat. DLR rocks!

 

[jillybeene71]

Thanks...I am reading trip reports every night just to get some insight on.. well everything. I was waiting on people to just say "read the stickys" but you guys help out alot. I will be here for the next 5 months 1 week as my ticker shows, although I do need to change it to DisneyLAND instead of World. thanks again!!!! you both rock!!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Boy, I would ratchet down the stress by absolutely deciding against the car, and planning on 4 days in the park, and maybe a Greyline tour or two to see other sights, still using DL as your base..

 

[PoppyGirl]

Hi Jillybeene71--I traveled alone with my 2 kids to DL a couple of years ago. What helped me with my anxiety over taking the kids so far away by myself was being as totally prepared as I could be. I mapquested each route I would be taking and put them in a notebook in the order I would need them. I had a whole notebook with my information about the parks. I used Ridemax to help me plan everything out. I read Birnbaums guide for kids by kids with my son and he picked out all the rides he thought that he and my daughter would both like. I too was a WDW vet before venturing to DL, but it turned out great and we all have very fond memories of that trip. Just keep asking the questions you need to know--there are very helpful people on the boards who are always willing to answer.

Because I felt so prepared, we were able to venture away from the plan and have some spontaneous fun.

 

[Disney Dree]

Adding my thoughts to those above..............

I echo the Grayline Bus sentiment - why navigate traffic and maps if it isn't really necessary? That said, I did rent a car and found it very simple to do. The rental drop spot is right in Downtown Disney with the return spot by the Paradise Pier hotel. With your pre-planned routes it is a breeze - just map it ahead of time.

Going solo with your child? An adventure!! A great bonding time filled with life lasting memories!!

I think four days is a must.

Sea World is in San Diego so expect a good two hour drive (depending upon traffic). The shows are pretty universal across the country so if you've experienced the Florida SW, this one will be along that same line. It's a great park and my girls and I really enjoyed it.

May you experience the charm and magic that Disneyland will offer!!