Help WDW vet is a newbie at DL!!!

[crusin'minnie]

My job is sending me to a conference in Huntington Beach. DH and I will go down a few days early. We plan on CA on Saturday and then seeing some of California on Sunday before the conference.

HELP!!! While I know WDW like the back of my hand - I know nothing about DL.

1. We can't spend alot of $ on hotel ($50-99) - where do we stay? Are there shuttles?

2. We fly into SNA- how do we get to the hotel?

3. What do you suggest we do on Sunday?


Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[casiland]

For hotels either check out the good neighbor hotels on the Disney website or try pricelining one. A good precentage of the hotels are within walking distance but most also have shuttles.

They have shuttle service from SNA to most of the hotels near Disney, I believe it cost about $15 (this was 1996).

As for what to do depends on what you like. It is fun just to drive around Hollywood and see all the stuff you see in movies. We also enjoy driving in the hills and drooling at the houses. Huntington Beach is an awesome beach if your into that. There is an outlet mall about 5 miles from Disney if your into shopping.

 

[mommytotwo]

When we were looking around for hotels, there were many hotels that were to close-walking distance to the parks, so they didn't have a shuttle, and there are alot of other people walking around during all times of the day and night.

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

I live in Huntington Beach and have had an annual pass for many years. If I can answer any questions let me know. Amy ( don't know much about shuttle services with the hotels as we don't need to use them)

 

[overwhelmed]

It's my experience that the hotels that are truly close to gate do not offer a shuttle. (park inn, hojo, tropicana) Some are in between, close enough to walk but also offer shuttles. I like the Coast Anaheim for a longer walk but better view and pool area.

The pier and beaches in HB are nice, also we like Seal Beach alot, its very quaint, and a very short drive north of HB. The long beach aquarium is not far either.

Have fun

 

[crusin'minnie]

OK the transportation is taken care of. Thrifty had a great weekly rate.

Thanks for the hotel information- I'm checking into that.

Amy- How far is Catalina Island? What is there to do see? I recognize the name but don't really know anything about it.

Also can you recommend some good inexpensive-moderately priced restaurants while we're in Huntington Beach?

Thanks!!!

 

[casiland]

Actually, the hojo and park inn as well as a lot of the other close hotels offer shuttle service. Very few have their own hotel shuttle. Here is a quote direct from hojo website: Anaheim Shuttle service from hotel to Disneyland Resort $3.00 per day. Kids 3-9 Free. (Purchase at hotel) Multi-day pass also available.

 

[kimkatmom]

I've been told that the Park Vue just across the street from DL is great. It's been several years since I have been there personally, but I know that it has been refurbished.

There is a Super Shuttle from SNA to DL hotels. I believe it is $10 each, but I do know that you can get into the Super Shuttle web site and even make reservations. A taxi from SNA will cost you about $30.

As for Sunday, one thing that is very fun is driving into Hollywood and taking a strole down Hollywood Boulevard. You might even consider going to the El Capitain - there might be a Disney movie there and across the street is the Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are held and Mann's Chinese Theatre. You can see the real place where the Great Moving Ride was taken from. It's really a lot of fun walking down the sidewalk and checking out all the "stars." One word of advice, however, if you are going into Hollywood, leave Disney area early and plan on returning early in the afternoon. The later the day, the more rotten the traffic gets.

However, if I were doing this trip, I would just stay in the Disney area. That's just good enough for me.

Leslye

 

[overwhelmed]

What hotel are you staying at in HB?

HB is close enough to Disneyland, that if you want, you can just stay at the same hotel (as your convention) the whole time. Its not more than a 1/2 hour drive, depending on traffic. I would consider this myself, because I like to unpack, and stay unpacked during a trip. Heck, your HB hotel might even have a shuttle to Disney, never hurts to ask.

I've never (ever) heard anything good about the Park Vue, except the location.

Catalina is 26 miles across the sea by boat. I've a CA native, and I have only been once. I wasnt all that impressed, but many people love it, here is Catalina Island's Official Website - http://www.catalina.com/

I think that "Hollywood" is pretty spread out, and might be confusing to a first time visitor. If you really want to see the sights, consider a bus tour, or booking a studio tour. That way you don't end up just driving around or getting lost. They offer several different types of tours at http://www.starstours.com/


Hope that helps

 

[crusin'minnie]

Leslye- Believe me I had every intention of staying for 2 days at DL, but DH says he is not going all the way to California and not see anything but the mouse (much as we adore him!) So I let him win this one.

The rate for my convention hotel is $179 so that is out of the question for the 2 nights that I have to pay for. Besides I want to be close to DL.

I'm starting to lean towards the Candy Cane as far as our hotel.

Overwhelmed- thanks for the great links!

 

[overwhelmed]

I happen to be trying out the Candy Cane for the first time on August 30th. I'll let you know how we like it.

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

Catalina is a Great day trip or overnight stay. We go over there for a week every year. (just got back a few weeks ago) They have tours available on land or sea. (Glass bottom boats, inland tours, bike rentals etc) or you can just walk around and people watch and shop. You never need to set foot in a car your entire stay as you can walk the entire city (tourist area) in about 20 minutes. I highly recomend it. All you need to do is drive to Long Beach, about 20 minutes from HB and hop on a ferry(Catalina Express, reservations recomended as the boats can get full) for the hour long cruise. Any specific ?? just ask.
As far as eating in HB. I take that you'd probably staying in one of the new hotels near the pier. If that's the case, there are many restaurants near and on Main St and most are pretty reasonable. Ruby's at the end of the pier is a great place for a burger and fries and there is even a IHOP on Main. Let me know if your looking for a specific type of restaurant. Any other ?? I'd be happy to answer. Amy