June 9/10/11 DL First Timer - Looking for trip planning advice & transportation options

[disneydreamgirl]

Excited to plan a June 9/10/11 solo Disneyland trip. I’m a WDW vet but DL first timer and have mobility issues, normally use a cane for moderate distances and am considering a motorized cart. Never thought I’d have a chance to get to DL so want to see as much as possible of DL and DCA plus DS (if possible). Not sure that park hopping makes sense but open to it.

Arriving at LAX the evening of June 8 so will have two full days (June 9/10) and at least a half day on June 11 (Sunday) before heading to San Diego for a work conference on June12/13/14.

Looking for suggestions for quick/safe/relatively economical transfer to:

• nearby DL offsite hotel from LAX on evening of June 8.
• San Diego, mid- to late-afternoon Sunday, June 11 (train seems best but open other options).

Please offer any expert tips for traveling to the gates in the morning (how close can a cab or hotel shuttle drop guests for arrival?) as well as park itinerary suggestions including a few good dining destinations.

Will be reading a few trip reports and the pinned tips, of course. Thanks so much!

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

The Best Western Park Place Inn and the Park Vue Inn are the closest offsite properties. Both get good reviews and are often recommended here. They are literally across the street from the entrance to the DL/DCA property.

Rideshare and taxis actually drop off next to the entrance, but possibly down the street a bit, so the two hotels can be essentially the same distance from the parks.

Park hopping is really easy and convenient, although I’ve never found it necessary. Lots to do in each park to fill up a day. I’d definitely plan for a full day in DLR, and maybe park hop the day you’re going to do DCA.

We usually eat in the parks. Cafe Orleans, Blue Bayou (when we’re organized enough to make an ADR), Rancho del Zocalo, and Plaza Inn in DLR, Wine Country Trattoria at DCA, and Brennan’s at Downtown Disney are our defaults - always pretty happy with the experiences there.

Sorry, not familiar with the other aspects of your trip.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Train to and from San Diego is only running on the weekends due to weather and repairs. Be sure to check a few days prior to your trip to make sure the train is still operating to SD.

Another option is to rent a car as there is so much to see and do in SD.

For hotels on Harbor across the street from DL, we like Camelot and Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance. The Best Westerns are even closer to the entrance! Have fun planning!

 

[disneydreamgirl]

@hiroMYhero Thanks for the tip on the train. In the meantime, I’ve realized that a rental car is my best route for my entire trip, from LAX to DL to SAN. Due to my mobility issues, not having to contend with any number of transfers, cabs, and the train means sanity preserved, flexibility increased, and options for seeing a part of California I’ll be unlikely to return to. San Diego looks like a great area and so having the car at night to venture out after conference agenda ends will be terrific.

At the moment, I’m booked at ParkVue for June 8, 9, 10, leaving June 11 with parking included so that seems like a bonus and I’m not worried about breakfast since I’ll pick up yogurt and fruit for mornings and eat on-the-go in the parks unless I can score a table-service each day.

I have so much more research to do, including whether the F! or WOC dining packages/dessert party make sense for me. I’m on my own and so thinking there may be accessibility viewing that might work but I’m ok with spending a bit since this will be my only DL trip and I want to make the most of my time there. I’m not sure what to expect with using an ECV while there since it’s a new way of touring the parks for me and normally used to a high level of activity.

At any rate, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!

 

[hiroMYhero]

@hiroMYhero Thanks for the tip on the train. In the meantime, I’ve realized that a rental car is my best route for my entire trip, from LAX to DL to SAN. Due to my mobility issues, not having to contend with any number of transfers, cabs, and the train means sanity preserved, flexibility increased, and options for seeing a part of California I’ll be unlikely to return to. San Diego looks like a great area and so having the car at night to venture out after conference agenda ends will be terrific.

At the moment, I’m booked at ParkVue for June 8, 9, 10, leaving June 11 with parking included so that seems like a bonus and I’m not worried about breakfast since I’ll pick up yogurt and fruit for mornings and eat on-the-go in the parks unless I can score a table-service each day.

I have so much more research to do, including whether the F! or WOC dining packages/dessert party make sense for me. I’m on my own and so thinking there may be accessibility viewing that might work but I’m ok with spending a bit since this will be my only DL trip and I want to make the most of my time there. I’m not sure what to expect with using an ECV while there since it’s a new way of touring the parks for me and normally used to a high level of activity.

At any rate, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!

You’re welcome! A scooter business operates out of Camelot Inn but I’m not sure if they’ll drop off at Best Western for you. In the past, Deckert Medical dropped off the ECV, for my DD’s friend, at our hotel before our arrival and then we left it in the lobby when we completed our stay. Great service and pricing by Deckert.

Accessibility viewing is a little off-center for F! but it’s still a great view right along the water close to where Mark Twain docks. Virtual queue for WOC will afford you good views along the bridge to Pixar Pier or central to the show if you arrive early enough, but dessert party will provide you with an elevated view and a plateful of desserts. Bring a ziploc to take leftovers with you!