Hi everyone! New to disneyland...need some help!

[BLTLDZ]

I am a seasoned WDW traveler, but DL? No clue.
We are thinking of visiting late september/ early october 2012.

Are four nights enough??
My original thought process was that we would spend 4 nights at the grand californian, and then move on for a few nights in San Diego.

Now I am thinking just stick with a week in disneyland, then maybe a few nights in San Diego?

Also, will the halloween events be going on in late september?
This is very important to us , and one of the main reasons for going at that time of year... Any input would be appreciated!

Updated to add this question: Never been t california period!
So other than disneyland, is San Diego another good part to the vacay? Any other suggestions? We will be renting a car.

In the meantime, I will look for the WDW Vets thread!!

 

[Liat]

In my opinion, longer at DL is always better! But 4 days at DL you could probably see pretty much everything. Just make sure you park hop lots. And look at the WDW vet thread here on how to do DL.

According to another thread on here, the first Halloween party night is going to be Sept 30. There is a Halloween super thread that you should check out but I don't know how to link to it!

 

[Piglet99645]

In my opinion, longer at DL is always better! But 4 days at DL you could probably see pretty much everything. Just make sure you park hop lots. And look at the WDW vet thread here on how to do DL.

Yes, definitely look at that thread!

Having been to both parks, but by no means a professional at the Disney thing, I do think that 4 nights (so 4 days?) at Disneyland/CA is "enough" although of course more is always more fun.

As a point of reference: We did WDW in 3 1/2 days. Of course this was not enough time. But it was awesome. When we go to DL next month we are going to spend 4 1/2 days in the parks. I've been working on our itinerary and I really do feel like 4 1/2 days is going to be "enough" time to get to do absolutely everything we want to do at least once. (Keeping in mind that we are dragging 3 small children....)

If you don't get to California much, I would try to work in some of the other sights in addition to DL.

But whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[nana50]

Since I live in San Diego I'm very partial to it. I lived in the L.A. area for 7 years and hated it. However, there is a lot to do in the L.A. area, but a San Diego trip would be worth it. You didn't say how old the kids are (if there are kids). If they are under 10 or 11 I HIGHLY suggest Legoland which is a quick hour from Anaheim. Also if you venture a little further south to Coronado the beaches there are lovely and are usually on the list of best 10 beaches. Also the Hotel Del Coronado is a fabulous place to stay or visit for lunch. Of course the zoo, wild animal park and Balboa Park ( our mini version of Central Park). There is no lack of things to do.

 

[christine*]

Since you've never been to southern California I would condiser getting the SoCal City Pass http://www.citypass.com/southern-california. It has a 3 day park hopper, tickets to universal, tickets to seaworld, and san diego zoo. I don't know how often you plan on visiting southern California but I feel you would get more out of a week long vacation if you did something besides just Disney. Crowds aren't bad in Sept/Oct so you should be able to accomplish a lot in just a few days at Disneylan/DCA.

 

[ksdisneyfan]

San Diego is a great place to visit. We always combine our Disneyland trip with a couple of days in San Diego. Depending on the ages of your kids, there are various things to do. We have enjoyed Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and my younger kids like Legoland. Also, a day at the beach is a great way to relax.

We are planning a trip for October 2012 too. Can't wait to see Disneyland decorated for Halloween!

 

[skiingfast]

And look at the WDW vet thread here on how to do DL.

According to another thread on here, the first Halloween party night is going to be Sept 30.

Yes Disney has confirmed the first party is on Sept 30th.

Yes, definitely look at that thread!

Here is a link to that thread.
DLR Guide of WDW vets.

 

[BLTLDZ]

Thanks everyone!
No children , just me & DH.
I am 31, he's 35.
(32 & 36 at time of trip)

 

[Piglet99645]

Thanks everyone!
No children , just me & DH.
I am 31, he's 35.
(32 & 36 at time of trip)

In this case I think 4 days is PLENTY of time. You won't be bogged down standing in line in Toon Town or waiting for Dumbo.....changing diapers.... trying to get the kids to eat something.... fielding meltdowns.

For 15 dollars you can download Ridemax and put your touring plans in and see how many days you really need. I think you would even be fine with 3, assuming you don't want to do all the Fantasyland rides.

 

[Mister Toad]

In this case I think 4 days is PLENTY of time. You won't be bogged down standing in line in Toon Town or waiting for Dumbo.....changing diapers.... trying to get the kids to eat something.... fielding meltdowns.

For 15 dollars you can download Ridemax and put your touring plans in and see how many days you really need. I think you would even be fine with 3, assuming you don't want to do all the Fantasyland rides.

x2 for Ridemax. Used it my first few times and I really feel like I know what I am doing, in the future I probably wouldn't use it again but then again I may cause I kind of like knowing where to go. Although at this point I think i have the trends down.

I think 4 days should be plenty of time. I have successfully seen nearly everything in both parks in 2 days, and that includes doubling and tripling up on LOTS. Next trip I take I want to do 4 days and just take my time, enjoy the hotel, move slower, and all that.

 

[BLTLDZ]

Stupid question!
I subscribe to touring plans, and can upgrade for it to included DL.
IF I get that & ridemax, is that overkill?

 

[lovebug33]

I hated Ridemax. Way too structured for me. I found when we did three days at DL, even in the height of the summer, we didn't need any sort of touring plans! I would do the So Cal City Pass. DH and I did that years ago and it was so much fun. It was exhausting doing that many parks, but it was a great trip. Now, I don't know if there is still an option to do the Wild Animal Park or the Zoo, but if it is summer, do the Zoo. We darn near died of heat exhaustion at the Park!