help me!

[beckmrk04]

OK. I am planning a (very last-minute) trip to DL at the End of May (fly into SNA on May 25th). And I am FREAKING out!

I am used to going to WDW. So- ADRs, staying on property, disney dining, at least 5 days to tour parks- this is what I am accustomed to. So, DL seems so foreign.

1. Trying to do a BUDGET trip, which is fairly easy because we're staying with friends for most of the trip, but we are going to fly in and stay at a hotel by DL MOnday and Tuesday night. We're thinking Portofino Inn & Suites or Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites- which seems more budget friendly- we don't need a bunch of frills- just a clean place to sleep and maybe swim a bit. Anything better? I can't get cheap rates for HoJo, otherwise I would have liked that.

2. What's the best way to get from the airport (SNA) to DL? Supershuttle?

3. How crucial are ADRs to Goofy's Kitchen? Do I still have a good chance? (staying May 25-27th).

4. How many days would you reccommend for 2 adults and a 2 yr. old to adequately see DL? I think DL will be more appealing than Calif. Adventure just because it seems more kid-friendly.

Any other tips, ideas, comments, suggestions, or travel tips would be much appreciated!!!!

Thanks DISers.

 

[mystic_path]

OK. I am planning a (very last-minute) trip to DL at the End of May (fly into SNA on May 25th). And I am FREAKING out!

I am used to going to WDW. So- ADRs, staying on property, disney dining, at least 5 days to tour parks- this is what I am accustomed to. So, DL seems so foreign.

1. Trying to do a BUDGET trip, which is fairly easy because we're staying with friends for most of the trip, but we are going to fly in and stay at a hotel by DL MOnday and Tuesday night. We're thinking Portofino Inn & Suites or Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites- which seems more budget friendly- we don't need a bunch of frills- just a clean place to sleep and maybe swim a bit. Anything better? I can't get cheap rates for HoJo, otherwise I would have liked that.

I am going to suggest the Park Vue Inn and Suites. Its literally right across the road from Disneyland. You wont need to shuttle it to the park. That or the Best Western Park Place inn.

2. What's the best way to get from the airport (SNA) to DL? Supershuttle?

You can take the Disneyland express (Grayline Bus) But I would rather suggest Supershuttle. This way it takes you directly to your hotel, rather then the nearest bus stop to it.


3. How crucial are ADRs to Goofy's Kitchen? Do I still have a good chance? (staying May 25-27th).

You need to make reservations fairly soon. But we have Priority Seating not ADR's. I would not put this off any longer then you have to. They start taking reservations 60 days in advance. I dont want to put words in my mouth, but May apparently is a slower time to go to Disneyland, and so you shouldnt have too too much of a problem getting reservations. Goofy's Kitchen is fairly large. Call Disney Dining as soon as you can at (714) 781-3463

4. How many days would you reccommend for 2 adults and a 2 yr. old to adequately see DL? I think DL will be more appealing than Calif. Adventure just because it seems more kid-friendly.

Disneyland you can see at a slower pace without being rushed in about 4-5 days. Disney's California Adventure is LOVELY. There is lots of things for the family to enjoy there. Especially the bugs land for your little one. Its like a mini spray park and would be wonderful for those hot days.

Any other tips, ideas, comments, suggestions, or travel tips would be much appreciated!!!!

Keep in mind that the Fireworks, Fantasmic and other bigger shows only play on the weekends. Also watch out for Grad Nights. They close the park a bit earlier on Thursdays due to this. These dates are May 14, May 21, May 28 and June 4; Wednesday, June 10; Thursdays, June 11 and June 18. OOh and also Mimi's Cafe which is on Harbor gives away free breakfasts to those who sign up to their newsletter or something. This can save you money.


Thanks DISers.

Good Luck to you!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Well first off, congrats on the DL trip!

The desert inn gets mixed reviews...so I can't really say as to whether or not it is generally considered clean. I stayed there when I was 7, so 20 years ago, and it was decently clean...however the latest reviews are not usually of the same opinion. I have never stayed at the other one and therefore have no opinion there. Make sure the place you choose is close because it doesn't sound like you will have a car, and unlike most places in WDW...not all of the local hotels have a shuttle. So you will have to use ART which costs you money daily.

The super shuttle is convenient, but they may require a car seat for your daughter. If you aren't planning on traveling with it I would consider the Disneyland Express (not like wdw's magical express) which is a big bus that will drop people off at the area hotels. It runs like 15 a person or 25 round trip I believe. I think it is by greyline busses?

Disneyland does not have ADRs. We have PS's or Priority Seatings. Which just mean you are more of a priority than walkups...and if they have enough PS's for the day they wont take walkups. So I would call and book a PS for Goofys. There are probably still plenty of open spots.

Dont discount DCA just yet. My kids love that park. Much more open space and the Bugs land area is really fun. I had to drag them away from the adorable fountains! And they love the monsters inc ride and playhouse disney. So plan on spending at least 1/2 a day there. So 3 total days should be okay. You might feel rushed but maybe make a list of must dos that you want to see and you can just hit extras once you accomplish that list.

That weekend may or may not be super busy so expect crowds. Try to get to the park early for rope drop and most importantly....have a GREAT trip!

 

[bumbershoot]

DCA is actually *excellent* for a child! Especially the bug's land area. We enjoy that area SO much more than Fantasyland. So much in FL is dark. The only light things are Dumbo, the Teacups, and Casey Jr. Other than that, you've got the scary Toad's ride, scary Snow White (scary is even in the name!), scary Pinocchio, and yes, Alice is scary when you're in there (yikes, the queen!). With bug's land in DCA all you have to avoid is "it's tough to be a bug", and that's easy enough to do.

DS also love the Monsters Inc ride; he can go on that ride 5 times in a row without even thinking about it. You also have the Muppets 3D show and all of that doesn't even mention TSMM and it's sheer awesomeness! Add to that the WIDE corridors (OK the construction takes away from that a bit), and you've got a GREAT park for littles!

And for the taller but still younger ones you've got Soarin' and Grizzly (arguably the Best Ride Ever for our family...DS and DH went on it 10 times in 2 days last trip, DS was 4.5).

Now during that time (and may I just mention that we'll be there for our boy's 5th birthday starting on the 25th as well!) it might very well be warm, and so you'll want to make sure you pack some extra clothes and a towel if you go to bug's land, b/c there are water spray areas. That way she can have fun and get wet, rather than look sadly on at the others (*cough* my drenched boy *cough*) playing like mad (and then napping like crazy and sleeping soundly that night!) in the water.


If you're bringing her carseat anyway, do Super Shuttle. If you don't want to bring it on the plane (either in the seat or gate checking), then do the Disneyland Express bus. For our family of 3 the Grayline Disneyland Express bus is less expensive than SS, but we're coming from LAX so I'm not sure for SNA.


Unless the schedule (found under Plan at disneyland.com, which I cannot get to right now, grr) has massively changed since last I looked, there are fireworks that week, most definitely. Your family and mine are actually coming in on the holiday Monday, and they know it's still the holiday.

There's also the Up pre-parade before the Pixar Play Parade in DCA, which starts on Tues or Wed of that week...I took notes on the calendar before but the notes are elsewhere.

Since the tickets are naturally hoppers once you go over 1 day, you might as well hop, ya know?


Unless you want to lock in a room with a nonrefundable/noncancelable rate, be sure of your cancellation policy, and until that date, keep checking back with hojo. They add to that entertainment rate page often, and twice now they've added "my" dates to the list just in time for me to change, but I check too late and can't cancel. It gets frustrating! So keep an eye on it, if you book something you can cancel.


We personally prefer a longer trip...there's nothing wrong with a nice short trip, but my son really doesn't like that (although when he was 1 and then 2 that's exactly what we did, one day trips during a longer visit to San Diego), so we try to stay longer. Therefore, my idea of what amount of time to really explore a park (especially since we still haven't done everything in either park) might not be the same as another person's.


As for budgeting...share food! If you order too little, you can get more (and can get it from another place, so you're getting to eat in more places). If you order too much, you've wasted it. I've carried around leftovers at the park, and it got tossed away b/c of being in the sun too long. Big waste! We bring snack foods in mainly because DS and DH can't have common ingredients in most of DLR's snacky foods (corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup solids are the offenders) AND we're vegetarian, but it also helps to save us money. Get waters when you eat, get cups of water from counter service places even when you're not ordering anything else (they are happy to do it). Refill water bottles in various places (first aid stations have filtered water, I hear, and there's a refill spout thing in the salsa/picante cart in the courtyard of Rancho del Zocalo in DL). Bring in waters. Just don't buy their crazy-expensive bottles of water!



Remember, if you're going to do the parks even once you've moved to your friends' house, that parking gets expensive. Budget accordingly!

 

[abouley]

Planning a trip to DL is so much more laid back than WDW. I can't help you with transportation as we live in Northern CA and drive.

For a place to stay....you might call HoJo's and see what they can do. I have managed to get good rates on dates that said they weren't available or were $40 more online. It's definitely my preferred hotel!

I would say 3-4 days would be a good length. If you can go for 2 days then take a day or two off and go back for 2 days, that would be ideal! My daughter is 2.5 and I agree with the other posters that DCA has a lot to offer! It's a good park to hit mid day when DL is busy. It's so easy to hop at DL as you just walk across the plaza!

I doubt you'll have a hard time getting goofy's kitchen if you are flexible! Call soon though! You really don't have to plan too much to have a great trip! Just be sure to hit fantasyland first thing in the morning to ride when lines are short! Use FP and child swap on rides that offer it and it'll be great!!!

Alison

 

[disneynerd420]

If you are looking for super budget friendly hotel... I recommend the Motel 6 Anaheim maingate. It is arguably the best Motel 6 i have ever stayed at. It is clean and the service is good. Very cheap... usually about 60 to 80 bucks a day. You will need to take advantage of the ART system to get to the parks. But that is easy enough. Hope you have a great trip!

P.S. If you have ever been on WDW Space mountain, you have to try ours!

 

[beckmrk04]

Oh my gosh, THANK you for all the information!!

I am so used to militant-planning for WDW!!! We are going to take DD's carseat, since we'll be staying with friends and plan on doing some other sight-seeing, so I'll look into the Supershuttle- we only need it one way to the hotel, since our friends are taking us back to the Airport.

I will call for Goofy's PS tomorrow, and see if I can get in there on Tuesday night.

bumbershoot- how cool that we'll be there at the same time! If you see a pasty, pale girl from IL, with a DH who has his own lightsaber and a 2 yr old blonde who looks like neither of her parents, you've spotted us.

I found the schedule for the days we're there. I think we're doing the parks Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th - doing Goofy's Kitchen for dinner, and fireworks are on that night in DL. Then we may do a little of the parks Wednesday morning, then my friend is picking us up, then we're going back to the parks on Thursday and sadly, that will be the end of my Disneyland time. But we're staying until June 1st, so we're going to go to the beach, do some sight-seeing, etc.

 

[spacemermaid]

Anaheim Plaza Hotel is $49 (for a regular room) to $89 (for a suite) for the days you'll be there. It's definitely "no frills", but it's clean, quiet, has a nicely landscaped grounds, and a HUGE pool + a hot tub, as well It's not directly across the street, but is about the same walking distance as HoJo's.

Unless you want to wait 2+ hours, make a PS for Goofy's Kitchen- you've still got plenty of time, and should be able to get the day and time you want.

Have fun on your trip!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

bumbershoot- how cool that we'll be there at the same time! If you see a pasty, pale girl from IL, with a DH who has his own lightsaber and a 2 yr old blonde who looks like neither of her parents, you've spotted us.

Hey, I'm a pale pasty female from western WA (OK, so I grew up in CA, but that's long ago) with a hubby who *wishes* he had his own fancy lightsaber (and will likely have one of DS's Hasbro cheapie l'sabers hooked on his belt on DS's request), with a son who doesn't really look like either of us (until you get to know us)! Imagine that!

Seriously...hubby's half korean and looks like a retired sumo, and DS has red hair and amber eyes...only in b&w pictures does he show his "korean-ness" to the world at large. I call my hair calico colored, as it seems to have all possible natural hair colors in it depending on the light.


And yes, I've read as well that the DLR area Motel 6 is a really good one. I've stayed there, but as a child, and back then the only criteria I had (and please remember this was the 70s) was that it had a pool and those super-fun beds that were like a bumpy ride. (my gosh how did my dad not crack up at us being so excited about the vibrating beds?????)

 

[beckmrk04]

Hey, I'm a pale pasty female from western WA (OK, so I grew up in CA, but that's long ago) with a hubby who *wishes* he had his own fancy lightsaber (and will likely have one of DS's Hasbro cheapie l'sabers hooked on his belt on DS's request), with a son who doesn't really look like either of us (until you get to know us)! Imagine that!

Seriously...hubby's half korean and looks like a retired sumo, and DS has red hair and amber eyes...only in b&w pictures does he show his "korean-ness" to the world at large. I call my hair calico colored, as it seems to have all possible natural hair colors in it depending on the light.


And yes, I've read as well that the DLR area Motel 6 is a really good one. I've stayed there, but as a child, and back then the only criteria I had (and please remember this was the 70s) was that it had a pool and those super-fun beds that were like a bumpy ride. (my gosh how did my dad not crack up at us being so excited about the vibrating beds?????)

We have those Hasbro lightsabers too- DD has purple, DH has red. And too funny about the beds- I can remember being so excited about those at a hotel in Indiana when we were little, and my mom gave us all the quarters she had. How funny must that have been?!

Well- I am biting the bullet and booking my flight tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to call for Goofy's, but that's on my to-do list too. Then make final decision on a hotel, and get that reserved. I'm kind of surprised at how many hotels are running specials while we are there! I thought it would be more of a peak season, but from what I an reading, it gets more crowded mid-June.

I don't even care- I am just so excited to go!!!

 

[Leofoenget]

Desert Inn is fine. I have stayed there many times and will again this June. We like it because you can get very large rooms which is nice with kids. Anaheim plaza is nice with a huge huge pool.

 

[Stacerita]

Any other tips, ideas, comments, suggestions, or travel tips would be much appreciated!!!!

Thanks DISers.

Hey there Beck! Long time! How great is it that you will be coming out to DLR. I will be there on 5/26. Would love to meet up with you for a quick hello.

 

[beckmrk04]

Hey there Beck! Long time! How great is it that you will be coming out to DLR. I will be there on 5/26. Would love to meet up with you for a quick hello.

YES! That'd be cool. I think we're doing Calif. Adv. on Monday and then DL on Tuesday.