Help with July trip

[dis4me]

OK We are traveling from east coast to San Diego for a conference in July.I would love to then go to DL for a couple of days.My children are 8,7 and 1. They have been to WDW many times but only to DL once BEFORE DCA. So how many days should I plan on? Are the parks open late? Is it worth it to stay onsite or any suggestions on what hotel to stay in? ANy tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[LuvTigger]

Congrats on your upcoming trip!

Parks should be open late all summer, so you'll have lots of time in a day, which should make up for the longer lines. All of the shows should be up and running too (Fantasmic, fireworks, etc.).

I would allow at least 3 days if you want to cover everything at a normal pace. I spent 4 days there last October, and it was very nice to take things slowly and not feel like we had to rush. Things close a lot earlier in the fall though. You can probably do DCA in a day. DL can be done in a day if you rush from ride to ride, but personally, I wouldn't be satisfied with any less than 2 days at DL.

As far as staying onsite, it's not as much of a "must" as it is in WDW since there are tons of other hotels that are just as convenient and less than half the price. However, let me say that if I could afford to, I would stay at the Grand Californian every trip! I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel once, and that was pretty good, but last year I stayed at GC and totally fell in love with it! It reminded me of the Wilderness Lodge.

But, as I said, it really isn't a "must." I like the Howard Johnson across the street on Harbor. I've also heard great things about Desert Inn and Suites (might be good for the size of your family), which is right across the street.

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says..............................We have stayed at Dessert Inn and Suites, and it is not great. Nothing wrong with it, just don't want you get built up expectations. It is clean and close, and I think we got our suite for $59 using entertainment book.
Tiny indoor pool, looks like they knocked out a few rooms and put in a pool. Clean and close and sometimes thats all you need!

 

[Lynn-Marie]

I would recommend that you stay on-site. The DLR hotel staff (GC, PP & DLH) are on top of their cleaning schedule - you can count on your room being done (at least 95 % of the time) when you head back for your one year old's naps. I can't say the same of the Desert Inn and Spa.

While I must admit to being a bit of a princess, I also have to say that the on-site hotels just give you so much more in terms of cleanliness, quiet and guest services. You truly feel like you're a princess in a castle when you stay on-site. Add concierge to it and you're queen of the castle.

Just my $1.50 worth.