Help in Disneyland

[Jenbear]

I've never been to Disneyland and we're trying to plan a trip there in either June or July. Which month is better for crowds and weather? Which hotel on site do you recommend? Are the parks there similar to the World?

 

[dopeyfanatic]

First off, DL is very similar to Magic Kingdom, but DCA is NOTHING like WDW. As for onsite hotels, either DL or Grand Californian depending on your budget. Paradise Pier doesn't seem Disney at all to me. But really, the offsite hotels are just as close and much cheaper. Onsite isn't as big of a deal as it is at WDW, unless it's just a feeling thing for you. I don't think there's much difference between June or July either. I was there this past June and weather was perfect. Not too hot. I don't think crowds are different in either month with the exception of 4th of July. So that's my opinion. I can give you a site with a map so you can see the other hotels nearby that you can walk from if you'd like to save money on your hotel...

 

[wwithers]

I was there last July for the 50th and it was hot! That said, I like the GCH best, followed by the Paradise Pier then DLH.

Be prepared that offsite hotels at DL are A LOT different than most of the offsite hotels at WDW. The ones within walking distance are generally 2 stars (with a very few exceptions) And you really need a car if you don't stay within walking distance because the ART (shuttle) kinda sucks.

Within walking distance, the Howard Johnson's Anaheim is okay. As is the Hilton or Sheraton.

And DCA is kinda like a so-so Californiafied MGM.

 

[Jenbear]

Thanks for the info. We want to stay at one of the Disney hotels so we can use our Disney Vacation points so that is why we didn't want to stay off site. Are the crowds more or less than WDW? I've been there the past 3 July's and it was very crowded and hot. We just came back last week from there and it was deserted.

 

[wwithers]

Thanks for the info. We want to stay at one of the Disney hotels so we can use our Disney Vacation points so that is why we didn't want to stay off site. Are the crowds more or less than WDW? I've been there the past 3 July's and it was very crowded and hot. We just came back last week from there and it was deserted.

It's hard to say. Even though DL and MK are very similar, DL is a lot smaller in area. Even when it's not so crowded it can seem crowded in certain places where the walkways narrow.

It is generally crowded throughout the summer. There is a lot greater percentage of locals who go to DL than WDW, and they are on summer break. It is usually hot in July (but frankly, not as hot and sticky as Orlando).

Hope that helps.

(And IMO, if you aren't going to stay at the GCH, I would opt for the PPH over the DLH. It was recently refurbished and every bit as nice as the DLH.)

 

[ron808]

It is generally crowded throughout the summer. There is a lot greater percentage of locals who go to DL than WDW, and they are on summer break. It is usually hot in July (but frankly, not as hot and sticky as Orlando).

Hope that helps.

(And IMO, if you aren't going to stay at the GCH, I would opt for the PPH over the DLH. It was recently refurbished and every bit as nice as the DLH.)

Quite frankly, the SoCal crowd is young, able and active compared to their Florida counterparts.