Hotel ? Car? Rental home ?

[pyrxtc]

Tying to plan DL trip but stopping in San Diego first for at least 4 days. Looking at hotels cost but need 2 rooms for 6-8 people so started looking at rental homes. Cost isn't much different but don't know where anything is or if it's a good location. I am looking at Ramada Carlsbad by the sea. geting a suite with full kitchen so we can cook our meals while there.

Is Carlsbad Beach a nice one ?
We will have 4 kids wiht us who love to swim in the ocean. Waves can't be too crazy cuz my youngest will be 6.

trying to find a place that has larger mini-vans. One that holds 7 would barely work, would like one that seats 8 if possible. I know we'll need it while in the San Diego area but how do I get rid of it while at DL ? Is there a place I can drop it off there or would it be better to drop it back off at the San Diego airport and pay for a car to bring us to DL ? Should I just rent it for the whole time i'm there ? (tentatively arriving August 26th and leaving September 7th.) The price difference doens't seem to be much. DSister may drive up to see us or fly in, don't know yet, also may bring her DH so I need to have the room for them to sleep. Should we fly in other than San Diego to make flying out easier or cheaper to fly in somewhere else?

Having never been to CA and not really knowing where it is all located makes it really hard to find where I want to be.

Ages - Myself, DH, DMother, DSister, DD16, DD13, DS9, DS6 almost 7

Activities - beach/swimming, Legoland, San Diego Zoo & Animal Park, Seaworld ??

So far, this is going to be our most expensive vacation yet. Even more than Hawaii will cost us in a few years.

Thank you!