Joining the Exodus to Disneyland This Summer!

[TimNDansMom]

Dh and I have decided to go to S. California for about 10 days during the last 2 weeks of July. Our boys are at the age now where they don't want to travel with us anymore. Dh is an avid golfer so he'll be bringing his clubs but said he will go to DL with me. I'm thinking of getting a 3 day hopper as we also want to explore Los Angeles and visit a friend down in San Diego. I know 4 days at DL is probably better but don't have an itinerary worked out and don't want to be away too long, tho' the boys (will be 20 1/2 & 18(July) ) can look after themselves. I'm not sure how much time to allow for sight-seeing.

BUT! Unlike WDW, that I can plan for in my sleep, I have no idea where to start! I read that others are in the same boat. LOL

I've just started looking around at airfares and am waiting for SW to come out with their July schedule.

I haven't worked out a budget yet....I'd love to stay at the GC for 2 or 3 days...but if not, maybe at one of the other DL resorts, while seeing DL. I've been reading about the other hotels in the area but just don't know what to do. Are there any discounts to be had for the DL resorts, like at WDW? Is there a toll free number to call from Canada? How do I go about finding out the best rates for the DL resorts? Lots of questions, I know! I'm still considering the Good Neighbour Hotels, too. How is the best way to go about finding any deals and booking one of them?

Dh has done Donald's Breakfastsaurus with me at AK and I thought it would be fun to do another. What is available in character breakfasts at DL and how do you book it? I've also read that the Blue Bayou is a "must do". Dh and I always do Boma so I'm thinking that BB will be a replacement, in a sense, for that. Or is there any other recommended restaurants?

I don't think we will bother with Universal or Sea World since we've gone several times in Orlando, nor the San Diego Zoo and I still have to find out what Knotts Berry Farm is all about. What other sights are "worth seeing" in the LA and San Diego areas. I've read that there's some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings that Dh would probably like to see. I'd like to drive around Hollywood and go to Rodeo Drive. DH says he'd like to go to Malibu Beach, but I'm not one to sit for a long time on a beach anymore (trying to preserve my youth )

Is it too far to drive to fit in a couple of days in Las Vegas too?

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm getting very excited about this trip! I'm reading all the threads here like crazy but any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

TIA

 

[lap3]

I can answer some of your questions.
GOLF: I'm a pretty avid golfer myself and there are several places to play in and around the area. It depends on how nice of a course you want to play. I can make a recommendation to you depending on how far you want to travel to a course, how much you want to spend, how difficult of a course you want, etc... Let me know.

The only discounts I've seen for the DLRs have been either AAA discounts or military discounts. Other DISers will offer other suggestions, I'm sure.

We go to DL fairly frequently and we always end up going to Goofy's Kitchen at the DL Hotel. The food's good and the atmosphere is wonderful. My toddlers get a kick out of all of the characters that stop by the tables for pictures, autographs, and the dancing!

Sorry! I have to run! I'll edit this post when I get home tonight... Bye for now!

 

[TimNDansMom]

Thanks for your reply lap3!

Dh is a pretty good golfer so would probably like a decent course for a reasonable green fee. Are golf carts included? Our Canadian dollar is better now but the exchange still adds to the bottom line. I'll ask him if he's heard of any good courses out there and maybe you can comment. Do you have a favourite?

Goofy's Kitchen does sound like fun. I remember seeing it in another thread, too. Is this a breakfast, lunch or dinner and how do you go about booking it?

I have CAA which is the same as your AAA. Is there a central booking phone number like CRO at WDW or do you have to phone each DL resort separately? I've heard that the discount can be better going through Disney rather than booking through the automobile association. (I think I read that on Mousesavers)

Thanks for your help!