Help needed-never been to Disneyland

[Poohbug]

I would love to visit Disneyland sometime within the next few years. While I have been to Disney World many, many times, I have never been to Disneyland and look forward to seeing it.

What is the best time to visit? We like to visit WDW in Sep/Oct or May because the weather is warm but the crowds are low. Looking for nice weather but low crowds are a must.

How many days does it take for a nice relaxing visit? We will not be staying onsite, so what are the nice hotels within walking distance? The whole family will be coming-we need a room for 5 people-will that be a problem?

Any of your Disneyland tips would be appreciated.

TIA

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, we have been to disneyland 3 times in the last 3 years...twice in may and once in september...both were awesome weatherwise...crowdwise, the first may trip and the september trip were really great, this last may was a lot busier...we actually had to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes in some lines...and had to really use our fast passes...

We like to extend our trips, so our DW trip was 9 days (not enough time) and our DL trips were all 10 days (a perfect amount of time)...we did 5 park days and it was great....got to repeat things over and over...One trip i am sure we rode space mountain close to 18 times....it was great...

We are a family of 5 and have stayed at the Candy Cane Inn and the howard johnson and both were great, i think that the hojo had bigger rooms though...we really liked both motels, but will continue to go back the HOJO as our first choice...really close to mimi's-which is a really great restaurant....

Happy planning

 

[dizzymomx4]

We also have a larger family, normally 6 (SOMETIMES 8) we like to stay at locations that have enough space for us to move around and also that provide a great breakfast to get us going in the morning. Some of our favorites:

1. Staybridge Suites (on manchester). They have 1 and 2 bedroom suites. While both suites have a kitchen/dining area they offer a full size fridge/freezer, micro and cook top with dishwasher and fully stocked for cooking in the suite. They both have a fold out sofa and tv in the living room with DVD player. The 1BR has 2 queens, fold out sofa and 1 BA with add'l tv in the BR. . The 2BR suite has 1 king bed and Bath in one room and the other has 2 queens with Bath, both rooms have TV's. They offer a breakfast in the morning with 2 hot items, plus cereal, milk, yougurt, fruit, juice, and evenings a light meal Sun-Thu. They also have FREE laundry facility!!

2. Residence Inn-Garden Grove- They offer some of the same as above, full kitchen with stove/oven/micro combo, full fridge/freezer, dishwasher. Sofa bed and 1 or 2 BR. 2 BR offers kid suite with bunks and addl bathroom.

3. Homewood suites- Same as above, hot breakfast, similar kitchen, only 1 BR with 1 BA and sofa sleeper.

There are some locations that are across the street that offer large accomodations too. We have not stayed there in a while, I hope someone wlse posts for you with great info!!

Hope this helps a little in planning!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Any of your Disneyland tips would be appreciated.

TIA

Definitely check out HydroGuy's Tip Compilation with special attention to his ""A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" The compilation includes links to look at DLR/So Cal weather as well as links for how to choose a hotel.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


Have fun with your planning. My family is hoping to do the opposite (head over to WDW) for a trip in a few years.

 

[HydroGuy]

What is the best time to visit? We like to visit WDW in Sep/Oct or May because the weather is warm but the crowds are low. Looking for nice weather but low crowds are a must.

First, the weather at DLR in the summer is way more tolerable than WDW. Second, be careful about trying too hard to avoid crowds. DLR has more downsides in off-season than WDW. See
"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Finally, if you really want warmer weather, lower crowds, and the most rides running, I would choose May. Too many refubs happen in Sept and Oct.

How many days does it take for a nice relaxing visit? We will not be staying onsite, so what are the nice hotels within walking distance? The whole family will be coming-we need a room for 5 people-will that be a problem?

Three days is considered the minimum for a DLR visit. But you would probably leave wishing you had had more time. Four days is better. Four days at DLR is roughly equivalent to 10 days at WDW. Time to do lots of stuff at a relaxed pace.

 

[Poohbug]

We are looking at maybe June 2011 now. My biggest worry is crowds and lines. I hate them. Is June going to be crazy? Would August be better? I am so familiar with WDW as far as crowds, weather, etc. Am just feeling a little lost because I don't know anything about DL. Checking the threads but not finding alot about crowds.

 

[FourOrchards]

I'm going to let a secret out of the bag...we have found the second week in September has been the best time to go to Disneyland. The crowds have been low and it's not too hot either.
Now...don't tell anyone...it's a secret!

 

[JoMarie]

I don't know about staying for many days because I usually only stay for about 2. I normally stay at the Fairfield, which is across the street and very easy to walk to.

I've gone a few days after NYE and it was very crowded and rainy. In 2007, I went early July (I think it was 2-3?) and it was pretty crowded but quite hot. Last September, I went the third week..actually thinking about it, I think it was a year ago today! That was probably the best time I've gone. The crowds were low and the temperature was almost perfect. This past July when I went, it was HOT and crowded. No matter the crowds or heat, I'd take it because I'd be in Disneyland and I'd rather be hot there than anywhere else.

No matter the crowds or temperature, my friends and I have found taking a nap and eating lunch/dinner outside the park makes everyone happier. Sometimes we'll go to the IHOP or the McDonalds. We recently found that there's a Subway down the road that makes us VERY happy.

We always try to get there early and do the "big" rides first, PP, BTMRR, SplashM, SpaceM, Indie and Mr. Toad! Last September, within the first hour we got PP, BTMRR, Dumbo, Splash and HM done. We usually try and get a FP for Space as soon as we get there after the nap midday.

Have a Great Vacation!

 

[HydroGuy]

We are looking at maybe June 2011 now. My biggest worry is crowds and lines. I hate them. Is June going to be crazy? Would August be better? I am so familiar with WDW as far as crowds, weather, etc. Am just feeling a little lost because I don't know anything about DL. Checking the threads but not finding alot about crowds.

FWIW crowds and lines are not the same thing IMO. We go when it is crowded (somewhat) but rarely deal with lines. Some people are like me and can handle crowds as long as the lines are not too bad. Other people cannot handle crowds regardless of how short the lines might be.