Help with First Trip to DL

[Cinderella822]

I just returned from a week at WDW, where I've vacationed many times. I think I'd like to try DL this time but have never been there and don't know where to start in my planning.

1. First of all, what is the best time to visit regarding crowds and weather? I didn't like the very hot, humid weather I just experienced in Flordia and the crowds were too much to bear at times.

2. Where is the best place to stay that is close to the parks?

3. What other attractions/beaches, etc. are nearby DL?

I'd appreciate any tips anyone can give this novice. Thanks so much!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Well *any* time is better with regards to humidity

I love DL for Christmas (ie Nov/Dec) Oct is also great weather

As for spring summer Id aim before mid June as it gets rather warm and the crowds thicken- One thing to keep in mind is that May kicks off the 50th


DL also has alot of close good off property hotels on Harbor- I know there is a map somewhere that lists all the closest ones- I personally recommend the HOJO or the Super 8 on Katella as Ive only had wonderful experiances there


-em

 

[iceskatejen]

I agree that any time is better in regard to humidity compared to WDW (our worst humidity is about the same as what I felt at WDW in late-April, where I was assured that it wasn't humid). In regards to crowds, generally you want to avoid school break times (spring break, winter break, between mid-june and Labor day), though weekends get pretty crowded throughout the year because DL gets a big local crowd. In the off-season, Sundays are often a bit more crowded than Saturdays because Saturday is a block-out day for some APs, while Sundays aren't.

Other local attractions include Knott's Berry Farm--actually is an older theme park than DL, but since being taken over by Cedar Fair (the company that owns Cedar Point) has gone downhill a bit. The rides are still good, but it's not as clean as DL and the employees are not as kind/friendly/helpful/efficient as DL CMs. Very near that are the Movieland Wax Museum (haven't been there in eons), a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, and a Medieval Times. They are putting in a new dinner theater type thing in the old Wild Bills called Pirates--not sure what it'll be like or how good the food will be. The closest beaches would be Newport and Huntington--both big time surfing beaches. There are others further away that are quieter. Universal Studios Hollywood is about an hour to the north and San Diego (with the SD Zoo and Sea World) is about 90 minutes to the south.

 

[Firefly777]

The best place to stay, IMO, is the Grand Californian. It's onsite and as close as you can get to either park. The hotel is beautiful. It can get expensive, but it's worth it.

There are also the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel. These are a little more of a walk (and not quite as well themed), but they are cheaper than the Grand Californian.

If these don't work in your budget, then there are always the offsite hotels. Many that are closer than the Disneyland and Paradise Pier hotels. Here's a map of the closer offsite hotels: http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Default.asp

 

[Cinderella822]

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful advice. I'm thinking I may go in December 2005 - the first week. I know in WDW, that week is very quiet and I'm hoping the same will be true of DL. Does anyone know if DL decorates for Christmas at that time? I'd love to see that. Is it too chilly to swim at the beaches in December? I'd like to check out a beach or two while I'm there.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>The first week is a great time to go. The weekends will be pretty busy, but the week itself will be quiet to moderate.

Disneyland typically decorates the first weekend in November, and then on Thanksgiving they start with the Christmas parade. So, you'll be able to enjoy all the great decorations and holiday happenings.

In the past, we've typically had:

* Haunted Mansion makeover to Nightmare Before Christmas
* It's a Small World makeover to Jingle Bells sung around the world (I love this one)
* Christmas themed fireworks with snow falling afterwards
* Decorating Christmas cookies in the fire station ... decorating different cookies in New Orleans Square
* Dickens carolers on Main Street and the Lighting of the Tree ceremony each evening
* Entertainment throughout the park in the holiday mood
* Christmas Parade


Weather the first week of December is pretty mild, and you may run into our Santa Ana wind conditions, which means it will be downright hot here - in the 90's. In that case, it's fun to go to the beach - however, the water will be freezing at that time. Still, I've seen <s>crazy</s> brave people in the water in our winter & spring months.

Usually we get rain either the 2nd or 3rd week of December, but you never really know with Southern California weather - it changes all the time now.