Just booked DLH, now what DIS pros?

[lattemomof3]

We've been to DLR once, 5 years ago, and that was before I discovered the DIS, so I'm sure we were wandering around aimlessly, and a cruise is an entirely different animal, planning-wise. I've booked the DLH for Nov. 28 to Dec. 2nd. So far the plan is to fly in (still checking flights) to San Diego on Nov. 25, check out Coronado Island and let the kids play on the beach, possibly take a ferry to Sea Port village, stay somewhere in San Diego or Carlsbad. Do Sea World on Thanksgiving day, Lego Land on friday the 27, and on the 28 take the Amtrak to DLH. Just planning on doing downtown Disney & the resort pool on Sat, then doing the parks Sun, Mon & Tues.
Any holes in this plan?
Also, what is the next thing I need to do? I need a plan, people! Does ridemax include your plans for ps, or character meals? Also, what is Fantasmic? I know,. I keep hearing buzz about it. Is it possible to get seats w/out paying for the special seats w/ dessert? How early do I need to get there to snag a seat? Does anyone know what time it's at? TIA

 

[bumbershoot]

Sounds like fun!


How are you getting around SD? Seaworld is right in the downtownISH area, that's easy. But Legoland is indeed well up the highway in Carlsbad.

I would stay in the SD proper area, not stay up in Carlsbad, personally.

Is Seaworld open on Thanksgiving day? Might be worth a doublecheck, just in case. Assuming it is, be SURE to see the Pets Rule show. Seriously, BEST show in seaworld. Orcas, dolphins, all stuff that we've all seen before even if only in movies. Seeing a trained CAT do something? Most excellent.

Amtrak from SD to Anaheim is fabulous! Love it!

I tell you...take the EARLY train, and you can get to the hotel, stuff dropped off, etc, and spend a solid day in the parks, if you want to add a 4th day (and really, why not?).

I loved LOVED seeing the early morning surfers out on the beaches (the tracks are not all along the coast, but there's a good portion where you can see the surf). I actually had a ticket for the second train, but got there 5 minutes before the 1st train left, and they just sent me onboard. Excellent!

Catch a quick cab from the Angels stadium stop (the Anaheim stop), should be around $13 bucks, and you're there at DLH.

 

[lattemomof3]

Would you recommend renting a car to get to LegoLand from San Diego? Also do you know if Amtrak runs from somewhere close to Carlsbad to Annaheim, or would we need to backtrack to SanDiego to hop on the train? Thanks! Think we need to see that cat!

 

[bumbershoot]

Looks like the Pacific Surfliner's relevant stops are (in reverse order):

Anaheim, CA (ANA)
Orange, CA (OGE)
Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
Irvine, CA (IRV)
Laguna Niguel, CA (LNL)
San Juan Capistrano, CA (SNC)
San Clemente, CA (SNP)
Oceanside, CA (OSD)
Solana Beach, CA (SOL)
San Diego - Old Town Train Station, CA (OLT)
San Diego, CA (SAN)



Now...which one of those are closest to Carlsbad I'm not sure, but I'm sure someone will know.

If you have AAA, book the train a few weeks in advance to get 10%, by the way.

 

[lulubelle]

Just wanted to add that the beach in November will be cold - not sure if you thought the kids could get in the water and play in bathing suits. Unless you are from a very cold State! Also, you do not need to take a ferry to Seaport Village, it is on the coast accessible from the freeway. We love it there. The carriage rides are special, lots of yummy seafood and excellent shopping. Oceanside is the closest to Carlsbad on the train route. But it is a few miles. Your itenerary sounds great given the ages of your children. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[mhconley]

You can get up and down the coast in San Diego County on the Coaster. The Carlsbad station is about 5 miles from Legoland. The Coaster runs on the same tracks as Amtrak and Metrolink. The Coaster and Metrolink also both stop in Oceanside.

Martin

 

[lattemomof3]

The coaster looks nice! Anyone know if there is a difference betw. the Coaster and Amtrak? We are from NE, will we be completely overwhelmed trying to drive from San Diego to Carlsbad? Is it too far to take a taxi? I guess we could also take the train? Thanks for all the other info!

We've heard it is cold at the beach in Nov.. The kids will love playing in the sand & hunting for shells. We will probably be hot, coming from NE!