I'm going to Disneyland! Woooo...someone help please

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Today my BF and I decided that we would like to take a trip to California this spring. I have never even been to California, but he used to live in San Diego (but has never been to Disneyland).

I was thinking maybe about 8 or 9 days, with 3 in Disneyland and the rest spent in San Diego and various other places that I am letting my BF plan.

I would also like to spend a day in Universal to see the studio tour I hear so much about. But anyway, back to Disneyland. I've been reading posts on this forum all day and looking at the DIS' info about DL. Naturally I have 5 million questions, but I'll try to trim down the list and I'd appreciate any/all suggestions.

1. I'm thinking of getting the 3 day park hopper deal that is offered on the website. 3 days seems like enough...but I am used to WDW and 3 days makes me a little uneasy.

2. Does DL require dining reservations? I think I want to eat at the Blue Bayou restaurant. Also, does anyone have any other restaurant suggestions? I think what I'm looking for is an awesome/unique atmosphere. Character meals are not really too high on my list.

3. Does it matter too much if I stay in a non-Disney hotel? For example do extra morning hours require you to stay at a DL hotel?


Ok, looks like I managed to narrow down my 5 million questions into 3 for now. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[sonnyjane]

Well, I guess my []__[] Miami Hurricane self can put aside my feelings for a Buckeye in the name of Disney

1. I'm thinking of getting the 3 day park hopper deal that is offered on the website. 3 days seems like enough...but I am used to WDW and 3 days makes me a little uneasy.

When are you traveling? Before you order tickets, check the fine print of the tickets you are considering. The cheapest ones available right now have date restrictions. I would suggest buying tickets online directly from Disneyland.com, however. That's what I do and I find it very convenient. You just print out the e-ticket and take it directly to the turnstiles. There is no need to trade it at a ticket booth or anything like that. They'll give you a paper ticket in exchange right there at the gate.

2. Does DL require dining reservations? I think I want to eat at the Blue Bayou restaurant. Also, does anyone have any other restaurant suggestions? I think what I'm looking for is an awesome/unique atmosphere. Character meals are not really too high on my list.

DL is not like WDW at all when it comes to dining. If you know you want Blue Bayou, then I do suggest getting a reservation for that restaurant, but most of the other places aren't as difficult. I do recommend making reservations, especially during busy times, just to limit your waits. Cafe Orleans is a favorite of mine. Napa Rose is really good, but expensive, but if you're looking for a great splurge, do that, and definitely make reservations. You can even do the Chef's Counter if you're really a foodie.

3. Does it matter too much if I stay in a non-Disney hotel? For example do extra morning hours require you to stay at a DL hotel?

You'll actually get one Magic Morning entry with a ticket of 3 days or more, no matter where you stay, so staying on-site isn't necessary. I have stayed both on-site and off-site, and off-site is easily one third the price and much closer. For off-site, look into Ramada Inn Maingate, Tropicana, Best Western Park Place Inn, Park Vue Inn, or HoJo. Those places are all highly recommended and much closer than the on-site hotels (other than GCH which is far and away the most expensive). Staying on-site lets you go to Magic Morning every day it's offered (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday typically), but I don't find that perk worth the HUGE price difference!

 

[HydroGuy]

Today my BF and I decided that we would like to take a trip to California this spring. I have never even been to California, but he used to live in San Diego (but has never been to Disneyland).

I was thinking maybe about 8 or 9 days, with 3 in Disneyland and the rest spent in San Diego and various other places that I am letting my BF plan.

I would also like to spend a day in Universal to see the studio tour I hear so much about. But anyway, back to Disneyland. I've been reading posts on this forum all day and looking at the DIS' info about DL. Naturally I have 5 million questions, but I'll try to trim down the list and I'd appreciate any/all suggestions.

1. I'm thinking of getting the 3 day park hopper deal that is offered on the website. 3 days seems like enough...but I am used to WDW and 3 days makes me a little uneasy.

2. Does DL require dining reservations? I think I want to eat at the Blue Bayou restaurant. Also, does anyone have any other restaurant suggestions? I think what I'm looking for is an awesome/unique atmosphere. Character meals are not really too high on my list.

3. Does it matter too much if I stay in a non-Disney hotel? For example do extra morning hours require you to stay at a DL hotel?


Ok, looks like I managed to narrow down my 5 million questions into 3 for now. Thanks in advance for any advice!

After reading this it will likely answer a lot of questions but also raise different ones for you!

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Hi there

You'll have a great time! We just went a few weeks ago!! Blue Bayou was good. I originally called and made a reservation 60 days in advance, and we ended up being able to change the date 2 days in advance once we were there. It's much more laid back than WDW ADRs.

We also found flights to be significantly less expensive out of Pittsburgh. We actually drove 5 hours east for a wayyyy cheaper flight. (and a free dog sitter with my family ) We had checked Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Louisville, and Lexington---Pittsburgh came out the best to SNA by far. Definately fly into SNA--we took the Super Shuttle, but next time I would probably get a cab.

We have Premier Passports for FL/CA so I'm no help on tickets.

I really liked staying on property and we reallllllly took advantage of the Magic Mornings--it helped us bust out a lot of attractions before the crowds got there. We stayed at Paradise Pier for a couple nights, then moved to the Grand Californian Villas. Paradise Pier is the most economical--and it was really nice--go for the Theme Park View!

Hope this helps a little. The stickies should help fill in gaps and lots of helpful information!!

 

[bakerudall]

In regards to your first question, three days sounds like it will be perfect for you. If you were visiting with children, I would definitely suggest 5. Your BF probably knows a lot of great places to go for the other days. The link that HydroGuy posted is a great read.

 

[pixiewings71]

Honestly, I would suggest 4 days, altho you can add a day on your 3rd day if you think you want to. so perhaps start with a day 3 hopper and then if you want more on your 3rd day go to a ticket booth and upgrade to a 4 day, the cost is minimal ($5-10) to do this but it must be done before the end of your 3rd day.

I would suggest making a reservation at BB, BB is DL's premier dining spot and it will fill up (we have been turned away without a reservation), my suggestion is to book for an 11:30 reservation (lunch) get there at least 15 minutes early to check in and ask for a waterside table. There's something really neat about waterside dining at BB. Of course you can ask for it throughout the day but it's usually easier for the first lunch seating. I've never eaten at Napa Rose but hear many good things about it and DL just opened some new places in their hotels that you might want to check out.

When you purchase a 3 day hopper you get 1 MM on your ticket, if you stay on-site you get MM each day it's offered by showing your room key. MM days are currently Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. this is the biggest perk to staying on-site, IMO it's just as easy to stay off-site for less money and skip the extra MM's, but since we live in CA and are night owls we don't like getting up early to take advantage of it.