In planning stages of a DL trip.

[almburr]

Ok I am thinking of maybe trying a trip to DL. It will be DH and I as a grown up trip, or possibly with the 5 kids coming along. kids range from 7-17.

We have been to WDW 3 times, and love it. I want to know will we be a bit dissapointed? DH thinks we will with it being much smaller. His first question was do they have the Dining plan in DL? I dont know I told him that I would find out.

Is there a dining plan? Is there on site resorts. what makes DL special. I love EPCOT so I need something that will draw me in.

SO tell me what you know and love.

 

[figment_jii]

There was a thread a while ago with someone asking fairly similiar questions (WDW vet going to DLR). You might look through that to get some additional information.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2842037

I would also look at the "DLR Guide for WDW Vets" for a lot of really good information.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

They do have a dining plan, but it is nothing like the one at WDW. I don't know much about it, but hopefully someone can help you there.

Yes, DLR is much smaller than WDW. There are two parks (DL and DCA) instead of four. The two parks at DLR are within walking distance so you can easily go between the two parks. I liked that (no worrying about buses!). Some of the rides are the same (e.g., Soarin', Muppets, TSM, etc.). Some are similiar, but have a few noticably different elements (e.g., Pirates, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Buzz Lightyear, etc.). Other rides are completely unique (e.g., Matterhorn, California Screamin', Indiana Jones, etc.).

If you go to DLR expecting WDW, then you'll probably be disapointed. If you go with an open mind and a willingness to enjoy DLR as DLR, then it's lots of fun.

 

[HydroGuy]

Ok I am thinking of maybe trying a trip to DL. It will be DH and I as a grown up trip, or possibly with the 5 kids coming along. kids range from 7-17.

We have been to WDW 3 times, and love it. I want to know will we be a bit dissapointed? DH thinks we will with it being much smaller. His first question was do they have the Dining plan in DL? I dont know I told him that I would find out.

Is there a dining plan? Is there on site resorts. what makes DL special. I love EPCOT so I need something that will draw me in.

SO tell me what you know and love.

You know what? You have come to the right place but are asking the wrong questions. Sort of like going to Hawaii and all you can ask about is whether the pools will be heated. Heated pools (or not) is not what Hawaii is about.

DLR does have a dining plan but it is different than WDW's and not worth it.

HOWEVER...

Dining at DLR is a entirely different animal than WDW. ADRs are not needed for the most part.

Is DLR smaller? Yes. But guess what? No buses, boats or trams required! No wasted time waiting for them or riding them! Which means what? More time in the parks.

Also, ask about the weather... Much less rain, much less humidity and and much nicer temperatures.

Ask about the major shows...DLR's are better. Fantasmic. Aladdin. World of Color. And, if you can catch it, Remember Dreams Come True fireworks/laser show.

DLR has many things about it than are better than WDW but a WDW vet would not think to ask because they are not aware.

Read the DLR Guide linked previously so you can be in a better position to know which questions to ask.

 

[almburr]

Is there Magical express from airport to resort?

Im not wanting to compare DL to WDW. I am wanting to go in with an open mind. I think it would be fun. From what I understand its not as vast. its easy to get around, no buses or boats.

Is there something with Cars the movie?

How are the resorts there? I like to be totally in Disney. We have stayed at value, moderate and deluxe resorts at WDW.

How is the food? We are ones that like to try new things.

We love the rides, enjoy the theme of the rides entry and all the detail.

Love fireworks

We love Disney

Someone please give me an idea of what a day of your trip is like.

 

[almburr]

You know what? You have come to the right place but are asking the wrong questions. Sort of like going to Hawaii and all you can ask about is whether the pools will be heated. Heated pools (or not) is not what Hawaii is about.

DLR does have a dining plan but it is different than WDW's and not worth it.

HOWEVER...

Dining at DLR is a entirely different animal than WDW. ADRs are not needed for the most part.

Is DLR smaller? Yes. But guess what? No buses, boats or trams required! No wasted time waiting for them or riding them! Which means what? More time in the parks.

Also, ask about the weather... Much less rain, much less humidity and and much nicer temperatures.

Ask about the major shows...DLR's are better. Fantasmic. Aladdin. World of Color. And, if you can catch it, Remember Dreams Come True fireworks/laser show.

DLR has many things about it than are better than WDW but a WDW vet would not think to ask because they are not aware.

Read the DLR Guide linked previously so you can be in a better position to know which questions to ask.

Thank you. I wondered if the weather would be milder. We have been to WDW in August for our first trip it was humid, but still a fun trip. Other trips were in November and December.

 

[8timesblessed]

Look at renting points so you can stay in the villas at the grand california. You can cook all your meals and its easy to walk back for food. We took our 8 kids last may and had an amazing time. Ate breakfast in the room, packed snacks for the park, came back ariund 2 and made dinner and went back into the parks for the evening. We bought one meal in the park at big thunder ranch and it was $200 I think for the 10 of us. Our kids were 4-12 at the time. We did wdw twice this year and my dh and I just took a quick 4 day trip to disneyland and it was amazing. World of color we saw twice. Aladdin we saw twice. Rode indy and pirates is alot better here. I like splash and big thunder in wdw better.

 

[figment_jii]

I don't think there is an equivalent of ME.

DCA is in the process of building Cars Land, which is based on Cars. It supposed to open in 2012.

There are only three Disney owned resorts (in order of price): Paradise Pier, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Grand Californian. The Grand Californian is right in DTD. The other two a little further out, but all within walking distances. There are a lot of other hotels (non-Disney) within walking distance of the Main Gate.

We usually arrive mid-morning (around 9:30 am). We usually take in a couple of the big thrill rides (e.g., Space Mountain, Matterhorn, or Big Thunder). Then we have a sit down lunch at Cafe Orleans or Brennan's Jazz Kitchen or Carnations. Then some of the more mild rides (like Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Small World, etc). Then a CS dinner as wait to watch Fantasmic! After that we hustle to Main Street to see the fireworks. Finally, we ride a few more rides and then head back to the hotel.

 

[skiingfast]

Is there Magical express from airport to resort?

Im not wanting to compare DL to WDW. I am wanting to go in with an open mind. I think it would be fun. From what I understand its not as vast. its easy to get around, no buses or boats.

Is there something with Cars the movie?

How are the resorts there? I like to be totally in Disney. We have stayed at value, moderate and deluxe resorts at WDW.

How is the food? We are ones that like to try new things.

I would really suggest reading the second thread linked above.
It's the DLR guide for WDW vets

That will cover most of your questions.

No DME, you need to take a shuttle, many are available.

Currently a new land is being built at Disney California Adventure. It's Carsland. Radiator Spring with 3 new attractions. It isn't known when it will open, but Disney is stating Summer.

There are three hotels. Grand California is lodge style, but don't confuse it with the WL. It's much nicer and the GF is more on par with it. The Disneyland hotel has some resort feel though the rooms are in tall towers. The Paradise Pier has the weakest offering with a Pool with a WDW delux style slide, and a tower hotel.

The CS food is better than WDW. The downside is there is far less TS locations so not as much variety.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

First, welcome to the friendliest section of the DIS! (imho)

I asked the very same questions about a year and a half ago. I was planning our very first trip to DL in October 2010. I found Robo's sticky threads invaluable. That a good place to start.

We are big WDW vets. I had the same concerns you did. Yes, there is no Epcot, but there is Soarin, Nemo (but on a sub), Crush, Innoventions, etc. So many of the big ticket attractions can be found in better form at DL.

A vacation at DL is very different that WDW, but mostly in positive ways. Everything is so close! DL and DCA (Disney's California Adventure) are as close as Futureworld and WS in Epcot. If they are at the 3rd and 9th hour on a clock, Downtown Disney is at 12. You will be very surprised at the amount of park time you get not having to wait and travel on boats and buses.

Each park has more attractions when compared to WDW parks. Walking is so much easier. You just hop from attraction to attraction. Like I mentioned before, so many attractions are better or exclusive at DL. Pirates, HM, IASW, Space Mountain, etc all better versions. Plus you have many attractions not found at WDW...Alice, Mr. Toad, Matterhorn, Subs with Nemo, etc.

Okay, to answer some of your questions...first lots of options getting there. You can fly into LAX, or SNA, we have even used Burbank, all easy airports. There is no ME, all shuttles are independent from Disney. We use a limo service since our family is so large. It's actually cheaper for us than the shuttles.

No dining plan, but you won't miss it. My whole family agrees that DL food is superior to WDW. We especially like the counter service choices. You won't need to do that whole ADR, set your atomic clock nonsense. I've easily changed reservations on the same day.

Touring is very simple. You don't need to have a strategy on best parks, or huge touring plans. Just use your WDW fastpass knowledge and grab FP for afternoon and evening rides. The parks are pretty empty in the mornings, remember many of the guests are AP holders who do not get up early.

The entertainment is particularily good. Fantasmic is so much better at DL. Aladdin is not to be missed!

Hotels are different at DL. There are 3. While Paradise Pier is noted as the value option, it is nothing like POP or All Stars. All Disney hotels are interior hall buildings with multiple stories. Each has it's pros and cons. If being on property is very important to you. You might also consider off property. Many of the offsite hotels are actually much closer to the gates. There are several that offer suites for large families.

You mentioned Cars. They are building an entire new land in DCA called Carsland. It will feature three new rides, one with the same type of technology as Test Track. It opens this summer.

Our typical day...we usually have breakfast in our room. There are many restaurants within walking distance. We actually order online and pick it up in the morning and bring it back to our family suite. Many hotels offer breakfast offsite as well. Then we head to DL at ropedrop. DL usually opens one hour before DCA. We grab fastpasses and ride several must dos until DCA opens. Then we head over, grabbing Soarin FP on our way to Toy Story Mania. It is very easy to grab multiple FPs throughout the day at both parks at once. APs just don't really do FPs. Lunch, a few more attractions, then hotel break. We return for dinner, use our FPs and head to the evening entertainment.

I hope this helps in your planning. We went to DL in October 2010 and returned 5 times since! We even bought our entire family APs to enjoy this year. I think you will find DL to be charming and magical. Happy Planning!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Though it's only 2 parks, it has nearly as many rides as WDW's 4 parks so there is lots to do. We made our first trip to the World in September and though it was a fun experience it doesn't compare to the intimacy of Disneyland.

 

[almburr]

Thank you all!! It sounds like DL will be a fun place to visit. I love Disney, Im happy being in the Disney store at the Mall.

One more question about hotels. So as I understand there are 3 DL hotels, and the rest are off site but within walking distance? Are they nice hotels? Not some dive. I know at WDW they say off site hotels within minutes of MK, but really its longer. I need to find a map of the lay out of DL.

Do you feel safe in DL? I always felt very safe at WDW.

Parks? are there 2? DL and California adventure? Do you need to pay different entry fees for each park, or is there something along the line of park hopper? I feel like such a newbie

SO now I will start a new notebook of everything DL. and run the numbers and try to convince DH we should try DL. I know he will like the fact that there is a lot less ground to cover than WDW.

Im getting excitied.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you all!! It sounds like DL will be a fun place to visit. I love Disney, Im happy being in the Disney store at the Mall.

One more question about hotels. So as I understand there are 3 DL hotels, and the rest are off site but within walking distance? Are they nice hotels? Not some dive. I know at WDW they say off site hotels within minutes of MK, but really its longer. I need to find a map of the lay out of DL.

Do you feel safe in DL? I always felt very safe at WDW.

Parks? are there 2? DL and California adventure? Do you need to pay different entry fees for each park, or is there something along the line of park hopper? I feel like such a newbie

SO now I will start a new notebook of everything DL. and run the numbers and try to convince DH we should try DL. I know he will like the fact that there is a lot less ground to cover than WDW.

Im getting excitied.

Yes you will feel safe. The good neighbor hotels vary in quality. Most are decent. Some are nicer.

And I will give still one more vote that you read the DLR Guide because it really, truly does answer most all your questions and helps you understand how to ask even better questions. It explains the parks, touring, strategy, seasons, just about everything.

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

 

[KCmike]

Congrats on wanting to go to Disneyland. Like most have said it is smaller and it will feel like a local amusement park once you get to the gates as its completely surrounded but the outside world. Once you get in the gates though its completely magical! Walt's presence is felt in every step. I suggest you stay on the park to get completely immersed. The hotels are really motels on harbor blvd. They are fine if your looking to save money but I suggest for the first visit you stay onsite. I would rather be walking through Downtown Disney vs. walking on harbor blvd with all the traffic and congestion.

When are you thinking of going?

 

[almburr]

I read the DL for WDW vets and it was informative. But I will have many questions. Im not sure when we plan on going. I know that we will not be able to go in the summer since that is our busy time around here. We can travel in late August, mid-November through Mid February. Our school has no problem with pulling kids out for vacations, they see it as an educational experience.

I looked at the hotels on site and the good neighbor hotels. I cant decide. I would love to be on site. Someone suggested renting points for the villas. How does that work?

I did run some number and I think that only 6 of us will be going. Oldest DD17 will be in college and she has a trip to Italy Next year, so she doesnt want to do Disney right now. They listed Embassy Suites Anaheim South as an option for us in a Dbl suite. Has anyone stayed here? If so how was it? I have the hotel for 4night, 5day parkhoppper, Minnie 4day meal plan (if you have used the dining plan what did you think?) Anaheim resort transport family pass. that came to $3,525.02 I tried airfare with Southwest but had to average the cost since they were not taking bookings yet for Nov 2012 yet. that might be around $1586.40, So a total of $5,111.27

What did you think?

 

[skiingfast]

I think you should try booking a la Carte, it is usually the best option.

The Embassy suite is nice but a mistake to stay that far away.

For the time of the year, do you prefer nice weather, a special season or crowds? All three times you noted are each unique.

 

[sonnyjane]

I did run some number and I think that only 6 of us will be going. Oldest DD17 will be in college and she has a trip to Italy Next year, so she doesnt want to do Disney right now. They listed Embassy Suites Anaheim South as an option for us in a Dbl suite. Has anyone stayed here? If so how was it? I have the hotel for 4night, 5day parkhoppper, Minnie 4day meal plan (if you have used the dining plan what did you think?) Anaheim resort transport family pass. that came to $3,525.02 I tried airfare with Southwest but had to average the cost since they were not taking bookings yet for Nov 2012 yet. that might be around $1586.40, So a total of $5,111.27

What did you think?

Please don't use the Disneyland dining plan. It is nothing like the WDW plan. All you do is prepay for dollar amount vouchers - there is no savings. In other words if you spend $100, you get $100 worth of meal vouchers. The huge downside is that if you use a $15 voucher but your meal only came to $13, you will NOT get change back, so not only do you not save money, but you can potentially lose it. If you want to prepay for meals, here on the boards we always recommend buying a Disney gift card and putting money on that, but the dining plan is really a dud.

ETA: I just saw that skiingfast posted at the same time as me. I want to agree with the two things he mentioned. The first is that booking a package through Disneyland is almost ALWAYS more expensive than booking your hotel and tickets separately, so at the very least be sure to price that out and compare. Second, I agree that if you can find somewhere within walking distance, you should stay there instead. It's such a convenience to not have to worry about additional transportation. It makes the entire trip much more enjoyable.

 

[I'm mikey]

Here's a very detailed map of the Disneyland resort and surrounding area.

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.80874&lon=-117.9176223&z=17&l=0&m=b

 

[almburr]

Please don't use the Disneyland dining plan. It is nothing like the WDW plan. All you do is prepay for dollar amount vouchers - there is no savings. In other words if you spend $100, you get $100 worth of meal vouchers. The huge downside is that if you use a $15 voucher but your meal only came to $13, you will NOT get change back, so not only do you not save money, but you can potentially lose it. If you want to prepay for meals, here on the boards we always recommend buying a Disney gift card and putting money on that, but the dining plan is really a dud.

ETA: I just saw that skiingfast posted at the same time as me. I want to agree with the two things he mentioned. The first is that booking a package through Disneyland is almost ALWAYS more expensive than booking your hotel and tickets separately, so at the very least be sure to price that out and compare. Second, I agree that if you can find somewhere within walking distance, you should stay there instead. It's such a convenience to not have to worry about additional transportation. It makes the entire trip much more enjoyable.

Thank you for the info on the dining plan, I wasnt sure how it worked. That will be crossed off the list. We will just figure out how much money for meals and put it on a gift card. Also If we were able to stay on site is it similar to staying at WDW, meaning can we put money on our room key/ticket. and then use it shopping at the park?

I will look at booking ala carte. Also which airport to fly into?

 

[8timesblessed]

I read the DL for WDW vets and it was informative. But I will have many questions. Im not sure when we plan on going. I know that we will not be able to go in the summer since that is our busy time around here. We can travel in late August, mid-November through Mid February. Our school has no problem with pulling kids out for vacations, they see it as an educational experience.

I looked at the hotels on site and the good neighbor hotels. I cant decide. I would love to be on site. Someone suggested renting points for the villas. How does that work?

I did run some number and I think that only 6 of us will be going. Oldest DD17 will be in college and she has a trip to Italy Next year, so she doesnt want to do Disney right now. They listed Embassy Suites Anaheim South as an option for us in a Dbl suite. Has anyone stayed here? If so how was it? I have the hotel for 4night, 5day parkhoppper, Minnie 4day meal plan (if you have used the dining plan what did you think?) Anaheim resort transport family pass. that came to $3,525.02 I tried airfare with Southwest but had to average the cost since they were not taking bookings yet for Nov 2012 yet. that might be around $1586.40, So a total of $5,111.27

What did you think?

I think you should price out everything individually. Staying in the villas at the Grand is amazing. You can walk right into the park in just a few minutes. You can even have a view into the California Adventure side if you rent points. See how many points it takes for the time you would want to go. In Nov 2012 it would be decorated for Christmas. I plugged in Nov 8-12 and it was 234 points for a 2 bedroom which sleeps 9. Most people rent points for $9-13 a point. David's rental place is $13 but you can get them on here for $10-11 for the Grand California. A one bedroom would only sleep 5. I had you coming in over a weekend, usually means longer hours and more opportunities to see all the shows. Fantasmic, Aladdin, World of Color and Fireworks.
I would not do the meal plan it does not save you any money. Much easier to go and eat whereever you are. It's not like Disneyworld.

Having a hotel in walking distance is the best. To do the Embassy Suites is doable but it's a mile away and you can take the city bus (ART) but then your not close to the park.

For park tickets there are options to get discounts. You can try to see if there are any YES classes going on when you plan to come and you could get tickets that way. It's Disney's Youth Education classes and saves you money. I think it's $178 for a 5 day hopper.

When you walk out of the park you walk through downtown Disney to get to the Disney Hotels so it keeps the magic. But you can also go the other direction through the bus area to the hotels on Harbor and they are close and will save you alot of money.
Best Western Park place inn is the closest, the Fairfield Inn, HOJO alot of people like, it's about a 10min walk, and alot of others. So if you see a hotel by those then you know it's by the main crosswalk.

 

[sonnyjane]

Thank you for the info on the dining plan, I wasnt sure how it worked. That will be crossed off the list. We will just figure out how much money for meals and put it on a gift card. Also If we were able to stay on site is it similar to staying at WDW, meaning can we put money on our room key/ticket. and then use it shopping at the park?

I will look at booking ala carte. Also which airport to fly into?

There are three main airports that most fly into - LAX, SNA, and and LGB. LAX is the farthest, but the largest, so sometimes fares are cheapest there as opposed to the others. Do some far searches and see how they compare. If it's not too much of a difference, I'd recommend SNA as it's just 14 miles from Disneyland and is smaller (read: less hassle).

And yes, you can charge things to your room and have things delivered directly to your room from the shops. It is different, however, in that you will get a separate room key and park ticket. They are not the same card.