help needed planning DL vacation

[busymom_ot]

We've been to WDW several times & wanted to visit DL for the first time. We need some advice. First, which airport is best to use? Second, which resort/hotel do you recommend for a family of 5? Third, how many days should we plan to adequately experience DL? Thanks in advance for any help.
busymom_ot

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Personally, we fly into John Wayne/Orange County (airport code SNA.) It tends to be a little more expensive, but for us...it's worth it. The airport is a breeze to get in and out of. Other people fly into LAX. Some fly into Long Beach. And I think some into Ontario (California.)

For hotels, I've only stayed at two. Both off-site. The first is called the Anaheim Plaza http://www.anaheimplazahotel.com/ . It's an older hotel but it's a really good price and has a nice pool. It's about a 10 minute or so walk to the park.

The Anabella http://www.anabellahotel.com/ is a little nicer/more expensive but still a decent price. They also have many different types of rooms which would be nice for a family of 5. On their website it shows a few different room layouts but they have even more. You could call to ask about them. They have two pool, one of which is a quiet/adult pool. They are also within a 10-15 minute walk to the park.

If you'd like any details about those hotels, let me know here or in a private message. I'd be happy to help. Also, I know a decent amount about the parks so if you have any questions about those, I may be able to help with that too.

 

[EMAW]

We flew into SNA the first time we visited DL last year, and will be again this year. It's super close to DL, a small airport and although a little more expensive it actually evened out for us after factoring in the extra cost of a taxi/limo/shuttle from LAX.

We went to the park 3 days last year and are doing 5 days this time- but we have 2 small kids and want to take our time a little more. We actually missed all of Frontierland and most of Critter Country last year.

We are staying in a suite at the Desert Inn & Suites. It's apparently right across the street from DL, less than 6 minute walk and the suites are a great price. http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/ Last year we stayed at the Paradise Pier. Nice, but for us not worth the cost.

Emilie

 

[HydroGuy]

As Mrs. Bee said, John Wayne is closest. Other possibilities are LAX, Long Beach, Burbank, Ontario and San Diego.

My hotel advice is summarized here: "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862. Lots of options for a family of five. We have six and the last few times have stayed at the BWPPI mini-suites have two queen beds plus a rollout queen, a mini-fridge and microwave. The BWPPI is the closest hotel besides the GCH (see above link). If you are into Disney hotels, the three at DLR are all setup for families of five. Staying at Disney hotels at DLR does not have as much of an advantage as at WDW.

How may days you need depends on what time of year you plan to go and what days of the week. Three is considered minimum to get in a solid visit and four will let you experience most everything. If you go during busy season then weekdays are best. If you go off-season then it is best to overlap your trip over a weekend.

Check out this thread for more info: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599