I need help! lol .... DL help for a firsttimer!

[martinolichfamily]

We are throwing around the idea to plan our first trip to DL next Summer(checking in on a Saturday and leaving the next Saturday) ...we will be traveling with Myself, DH, DS (10), DD(5) and DS (10 mos). Driving from Texas I believe.....we have been to WDW numerous times but never to DL! Looking into a 3 day hopper for DL + 1 day at SeaWorld and 1 day at Universal....maybe driving down to San Diego too for a day but not sure.

Staying on property vs. staying at Good Neighbor Hotel (been looking at Embassy Suites Anaheim South and Anaheim Residence Inn MAingate).

Here's where I need help:

1 - Dining plan @ DL...is it worth it for just 3 day tickets?

2 - on site property worth it vs. good neighbor suite?

3 - Is 3 day tickets enough for first timers?
(when we go to WDW...we are in the park everyday pretty much)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the DLR disboards.

Here is your starting point:

DLR guide for WDW Vets:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


Other answers (& questions) in your post below:

We are throwing around the idea to plan our first trip to DL next Summer(checking in on a Saturday and leaving the next Saturday)

Sounds great!

...we will be traveling with Myself, DH, DS (10), DD(5) and DS (10 mos). Driving from Texas I believe.....we have been to WDW numerous times but never to DL! Looking into a 3 day hopper for DL...

4 days minimum for DLR.....5 days would be better.


+ 1 day at SeaWorld


and 1 day at Universal...

Others may disagree.....but i'd dump Universal (unless you're planning a 2+ day "downtown LA & Hollywood visit")....but i wouldn't schlep over 2 hrs. to an inferior park from OC when DLR (& the beaches etc.) are right there..


Staying on property vs. staying at Good Neighbor Hotel (been looking at Embassy Suites Anaheim South and Anaheim Residence Inn MAingate).

With (or w/o) kids.....stay on site.....or stay on Harbor Blvd. within walking distance. Or stay 4 nights on Harbor & then 3 nights on-site. But do NOT stay anywhere you can't walk from.



Here's where I need help:

1 - Dining plan @ DL...is it worth it for just 3 day tickets?

DLR dining plan is NOTHING like the WDW plan. Let it be your LAST thing that you contemplate.


2 - on site property worth it vs. good neighbor suite?

Pros & Cons to each.....but the real answer is stay within walking distance.


3 - Is 3 day tickets enough for first timers?

4 days minimum.....5 days would be better.


(when we go to WDW...we are in the park everyday pretty much)

Thanks in advance!

Here are some other links that may be helpful:



- "Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580


- "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862


- Mary Jo's tip thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084


- "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132


- "FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation"

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052


- "Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718


- "Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961



If you have kiddos ages 4-11, then Jedi Training is a must:

- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699



Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[HydroGuy]

I agree with everything Hound posted...especially the parts where he provided links to threads I wrote...

Be careful choosing dates in 2012. There are many of us including yours truly who will not even think about going until at least July 2012 because of all the construction and changes and tight schedules. I am going to shoot for as late in the summer as possible - which for me will mean late July next year.

For more info on the changes see

Al Lutz Big Update: Cars Land, D23 Expo, MM and increased hours at DCA

and

Disney California Adventure Project Tracker 12

 

[martinolichfamily]

Thank ya'll so much for the info!

We were looking at going in mid-July next year...

 

[Huff]

Three days is sufficient to see most of Disneyland and California Adventure. If you spend more time relaxing such as take mid-day breaks, dine at Downtown Disney etc. then four may be better.

Disneyland Resort has about 80% of the rides, shows and attractions in two parks that Disneyworld has in four parks. Disneyland itself has quite a bit more than Magic Kingdom.

The two parks are only a couple minute walk between. Think of them as one very large single park as you can hop back and forth several times in one day.

If money is no object, then stay onsite. However, they are expensive. Most of the other hotels in walking distance are value or moderate level. Its very easy to get a 3 or 4 star resort hotel not far. Those hotels all have their own shuttle or use the Anaheim Transit buses which transport directly to Disneyland gates. Some of the Harbor Blvd hotels are directly across the street from Disney's Toy Story lot. That allows you to walk to that lot and ride the free Disney buses to Disney gates.

 

[martinolichfamily]

Any help on which hotels within walking distance are the best ones to stay at??
I've researched a few but there are sooo many!

TIA!

 

[HydroGuy]

Any help on which hotels within walking distance are the best ones to stay at??
I've researched a few but there are sooo many!

TIA!

You can study this one to death. And everyone has a different opinion on what is considered walking distance. The hotels right across the street are of modest quality and very close. I have stayed at BWPPI with kids and it worked for us just fine. A little further away are Hojo's and Candy Cane Inn - both a step up in quality. I am staying at CCI right now. Very nice grounds. Rooms are hotel rooms like the others. Plus it has a reliable shuttle. Even though it was a modest 7 minute walk we never walked it and were always able to catch the shuttle.

Finally there are other hotels in the area of better quality but further. Hilton. Sheraton. Marriott. Doubletree.

 

[mabdallah]

We are going July 2012 tour dates our July 26-Aug 5. We will be driving down from wa state. I cannot wait we plan on booking at the HOJO that seems to be a favorite hotel here on the disboards. I stayed there in 2008 and just loved it, the beds we comfy and it is within walking distance. If you have children it is a great hotel. It took us about 8- 10 min each day to reach the main gate after a long day in the park walking anywhere seems exhausting. If I had the money I would stay either at the DLH or GCH. Only an wish!!!