PolyGirl,
If I were you, I'd definitely come check out DL. As a native Californian, I've obviously gone to DL more times than WDW. Even though there's only one park (and starting now, two parks), it has brought me back year after year -- I go about every other year. Here are some answers to your questions...
"First, I'm looking to stay at the
Disneyland Hotel. How is it??? How does it compare to the WDW hotels????"
I've stayed at Port Orleans and OKW (my DVC home). The DL Hotel is like... none of the above. Someone mentioned it's like the Contemporary -- and I'd agree, just walking through it, it seems comparable.
If you're going to stay at the DL Hotel, ask for a room looking over Peter Pan's pool. Due to the noise level (which can be pretty noisy from time to time); I prefer the rooms that are higher up overlooking the pool. The rooms looking over the parking lot can be small and a bit dark.
Have you considered the Pacific? It's much more upscale and costs about the same, I believe -- at least in DVC points!
Of course, the Grand Californian would probably be worth at least a look while you're planning. Have you considered trying to get a "white glove" package through AMEX? Consider it if they can give you lodging at the Grand Californian.
"Second, I see they offer a 6 day dining package. Does this work like the one in WDW???? Does it mean I can eat anywhere I want three meals a day????"
I don't know anything about this. However... don't miss the opportunity to eat a meal at the Blue Bayou. Be sure to make your PS as soon as you can (I believe they start making PS at about 10 AM) so you won't be waiting in a long line at lunch/dinner time. (I suggest you go there at lunch time.) The Blue Bayou is located in Orleans Square -- IN the Pirates of the Carribean! It has great ambiance and superb food. It's expensive -- but well worth it. For other meals, try Tony Roma's just outside of the DL entrance. They have terrific barbeque dinners at a great price. Also, don't forget IHOP (also right outside of the DL gates) for a great breakfast. Both can get crowded -- but then again, so are the park restaurants!
"San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Seaworld which ones do I do and how far are they from Disney land."
Personally, I'd be sure to take the kids to Seaworld and the Zoo. The SD Zoo is a world renown zoo, having a natural habitat for its animals and covering a huge area. Seaworld is probably a lot like what you see in Orlando (I don't know since I haven't been to the one in Orlando). You might also want to check out some of the neat activities in Balboa Park. They have a laserium and other interesting points of interest. There's also an Animal Park in/near San Diego. If you get really adventurous you might want to check out Tijuana, Mexico -- just south of the border. Just don't drive your rental car in there or it will get stolen. Park on the US side of the border and walk in. You'll find great deals on jewelry, pottery and things like heavy blankets. Be careful of where you eat -- don't eat anything from the street vendors, for sure. Old Town in San Diego is another fun shopping/eating expedition -- 'though not as inexpensive as Mexico.
"How is the weather in November. I will be travelling with three children under the age of 7 if this helps."
We were there the day after Thanksgiving in '99 and found it to be great weather for layering. It was crisp in the morning and warm to hot in the afternoon and cool in the evening. We wore about three layers each: a tee shirt, a sweatshirt and a windbreaker every day. It worked. We wound up putting our jackets in the locker every day. If you get a locker, get one early (before lunch). They tend to go quickly around the holidays.
"We've been to WDW at least 8 times and LOVE it. Will I be dissappointed with DL or is it as nice as WDW. Is it worth the extra money in plane fare or should I stick with WDW."
Of course, that's a matter of opinion. I think DL is almost a carbon-copy of the Magic Kingdom at WDW -- but it's MUCH better -- even though it doesn't have the Alien Encounter (which I think is really fun). "It's a Small World" will be a kick for you to see since you're used to the one at WDW. If you like older roller coasters, you'll love the Matterhorn. Be sure to ride it at night! That's a blast! Of course, I still go to WDW for the full week to 2 week vacation because there's SO MUCH MORE there to enjoy. If I could choose to have WDW closer to us than DL, I probably would. (No small wonder that we're DVC members.) Still, there's something to be said for the nostalgia at DL... knowing that it all started there and imagining how Walt must have been so excited thinking about the future there.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy! I'm sure you'll have fun!
