Many DLR questions from a WDW fan... Please help!

[SeaSpray]

Wow, I am very surprised to see only ONE board dedicated to DLR?! Why is that? (Ok, not including the Trip Reports board. lol).

We're considering taking a trip to California next year and I want to include DLR in our plans. I've only been to DLR once, about 11 years ago (LOVED the Indiana Jones ride!!!!), but I don't remember much else from that trip; I stayed offsite at a friend's house, and back then I wasn't into Disney the way I am now.

Here are my questions:

1. Where should we stay? At WDW, our favorite resort is the Polynesian. It's our favorite because of its location, but also we enjoy the theming, restaurants, and view of the castle/Magic Kingdom. When we go to WDW, we don't even consider staying offsite. My first thought is to choose a Disneyland hotel/resort, but I just read that the GC is not near Disneyland, it's on California Adventure property. At this point I need to ask you to excuse any ignorance on my part, because I realize that maybe these 2 parks are adjacent to each other? Or are they further away, like the MK and Epcot are? I really am clueless when it comes to DLR. The GC looks like a resort we'd really enjoy, but how the other 2 resorts? I just read that they're both hi-rises?? How are the grounds at each of these hotels? I mean, if you had to compare them to any Disney World resorts, which would it be??

2. How many days would we need to see Disneyland (Dumb question: Should I call it the Magic Kingdom?? Sort of like when people call the Magic Kingdom at WDW "Disney World". lol) DH is not into thrill rides, and DSs are mildly interested in them. How many days for each park, going at a moderate speed? We're not commando park people, but we don't stop and mingle at every single shop or ride, either. I'm thinking two days at the Magic Kingdom, a day at California Adventure? What else is there? lol

3. What are the better restaurants? I've heard there's a restauraint INSIDE Pirates of the Caribbean!!! This is my all-time favorite ride, so the idea of being able to dine inside this attraction just thrills me!! I am used to WDW having so many good dining choices, what are the dining choices like at DLR??

4. What time of year would you recommend? We did WDW last July and I've sworn to never do that again. It was just way too humid! It wasn't even that the heat was bad, I can live with 90+ degrees, but the humidity on top of that was truly oppressive! For reference, we like to go to WDW in the spring and fall, crowds are manageable and weather is great. Would this be true also for DLR??

5. What other cities/attractions do you recommend? Not sure we're interested in other theme parks; we want to see more of California itself, maybe San Francisco, the giant redwoods, etc. I realize the redwoods are much further north, it is within a day's drive? Anything else within a day's drive? Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam? (My geography is really bad so if these questions seem ridiculous, then please excuse me ) Edited to add: I just saw the "Other things to do when in the area" thread!

6. I assume we'd want to fly into LAX? If not LAX, then which airport?


THANK YOU SO MUCH for any answers and info to my questions!! I really appreciate it

 

[SeaSpray]

Whoa...just read some other threads and I saw the phrase "off site hotels are just as close as onsite..." WHAT?!?!?! I am obviously not imagining DLR correctly! LOL I hope that someone who's been to WDW and DLR can give me some comparisons. I mean, at WDW, you are INSIDE, when you stay on property. Is this not the case at DLR??

Another comment I saw was something like "offsite hotels are just as good as onsite, except for the ambiance.." Ok, we LOVE good ambiance! LOL Also, DH and I HATE to drive when we're on vacation. Which resort/hotel gives us transportation to the parks? What kind of transportation, bus only? Wow, I really have a lot to learn about DLR.

 

[Alice28]

1. Where should we stay? At WDW, our favorite resort is the Polynesian. It's our favorite because of its location, but also we enjoy the theming, restaurants, and view of the castle/Magic Kingdom. When we go to WDW, we don't even consider staying offsite. My first thought is to choose a Disneyland hotel/resort, but I just read that the GC is not near Disneyland, it's on California Adventure property. At this point I need to ask you to excuse any ignorance on my part, because I realize that maybe these 2 parks are adjacent to each other? Or are they further away, like the MK and Epcot are? I really am clueless when it comes to DLR. The GC looks like a resort we'd really enjoy, but how the other 2 resorts? I just read that they're both hi-rises?? How are the grounds at each of these hotels? I mean, if you had to compare them to any Disney World resorts, which would it be?? ALl 3 of the DL resorts are kind of in the same vicinity. GC is closest, and yes, it's closest to DCA, but just a few more STEPS to DL. Literally. DCA is most similar to the WL. Disneyland Hotel is just kind of "disney" themed in general- nothing specific, but lovely grounds with landscaping, waterfall and a Peter Pan themed pool. The rooms are pretty roomy with a fridge, 2 queens and a daybed. The armoire has a sketch of original layout of DL, and there's a Tinkerbell wallpaper border. Paradise Pier, IMHO, is nothing special. Yes, it's the cheapest and there is an entrance to DCA, but for YEARS it was a hotel run by another owner and is just like a Marriott or Hilton. No big whoop. And yes, DCA and DL are just steps away, NOTHING like MK and Epcot.

2. How many days would we need to see Disneyland (Dumb question: Should I call it the Magic Kingdom?? Sort of like when people call the Magic Kingdom at WDW "Disney World". lol) DH is not into thrill rides, and DSs are mildly interested in them. How many days for each park, going at a moderate speed? We're not commando park people, but we don't stop and mingle at every single shop or ride, either. I'm thinking two days at the Magic Kingdom, a day at California Adventure? What else is there? lol
You can call it MK or DL; it's referred to as both. I would say 2 days for DL, 1 day for DCA. (maybe even a half day for this, but it depends if you want to do the 3-4 thrill rides). Downtown Disney a couple of hours if you want to shop.

3. What are the better restaurants? I've heard there's a restauraint INSIDE Pirates of the Caribbean!!! This is my all-time favorite ride, so the idea of being able to dine inside this attraction just thrills me!! I am used to WDW having so many good dining choices, what are the dining choices like at DLR??
The restaurant inside Pirates is called Blue Bayou and it's a nice, pricey, restaurant. Definitely have to do it once. The only other sitdown in DL is Carnation Cafe on Main St. We always hit French Market in New Orleans Square- buffeteria style. The Plaza Inn on Main St is good too. We also like Bengal BBQ for a quick bite and Hungry Bear in Critter Country for a burger. It's a very relaxing counter service, right on the rivers of America. Can't really recommend anything at DCA cause we really have only grabbed snacks there the 2 times we've been.
4. What time of year would you recommend? We did WDW last July and I've sworn to never do that again. It was just way too humid! It wasn't even that the heat was bad, I can live with 90+ degrees, but the humidity on top of that was truly oppressive! For reference, we like to go to WDW in the spring and fall, crowds are manageable and weather is great. Would this be true also for DLR??The nice thing about CA is that it's RARELY humid and when it is, it's NOTHING like Florida! Summers are hot, but not humid. Spring and Fall are also good times for DLR. But Summer has the extended hours....just don't go to DL on a Saturday! The crowds are always bad on Saturdays.

5. What other cities/attractions do you recommend? Not sure we're interested in other theme parks; we want to see more of California itself, maybe San Francisco, the giant redwoods, etc. I realize the redwoods are much further north, it is within a day's drive? Anything else within a day's drive? Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam? (My geography is really bad so if these questions seem ridiculous, then please excuse me ) Edited to add: I just saw the "Other things to do when in the area" thread!
All of CA is within a day's drive. The redwoods are about a 6 hour drive north (mostly in the Santa Cruz area, which also has a beach boardwalk, a wharf, etc). San Francisco is more like 7-8 hours. Yosemite maybe a 3-4 hour drive? (not sure) I'm sure Hoover Dam is only about 3-4 hours as it's near Vegas. San Diego about a 2 hour drive.
6. I assume we'd want to fly into LAX? If not LAX, then which airport?
Orange County (John Wayne) is MUCH more convenient than LAX!

HTH!

 

[Alice's Mom]

The beauty of Disneyland and California Adventures is they are directly across from each other, there are no busses needed whatsoever like at WDW. Grand Californian would probably suit you very well if you normally stay at the Polynesian, and you'll be in the California Adventures park and have your own entrance from the hotel.

Most people say you can do both parks in 4-5 days, and thats probably about right, I go often and I still find new little things

The Blue Bayou is in the POTC and it is very nice, there is also the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian is fine dining and very highly rated in the Zagat Guide, there are also some great restaurants in Downtown Disney, such as Ralph Brennans Jazz Kitchen and Napoli Italian Restaurant.

July would be very busy and hot, but not humid like Florida. If you can make it in May, the crowds would be reasonable and the weather will be perfect.

There is so much to do in Southern California its crazy, Knotts Berry Farm, Beverly Hills and Hollywood are fun and the El Capitan theatre (Disney owned) is in Hollywood. Then further south is San Diego, with Sea World, the zoo and some of the best beaches in the world.

Airports and driving times I am not so good at...

 

[Alice28]

Whoa...just read some other threads and I saw the phrase "off site hotels are just as close as onsite..." WHAT?!?!?! I am obviously not imagining DLR correctly! LOL I hope that someone who's been to WDW and DLR can give me some comparisons. I mean, at WDW, you are INSIDE, when you stay on property. Is this not the case at DLR??

Another comment I saw was something like "offsite hotels are just as good as onsite, except for the ambiance.." Ok, we LOVE good ambiance! LOL Also, DH and I HATE to drive when we're on vacation. Which resort/hotel gives us transportation to the parks? What kind of transportation, bus only? Wow, I really have a lot to learn about DLR.

WDW and DL are VASTLY different. I grew up going to DL and was shocked at WDW....how huge it is, how everything is landscaped so beautifully, how it's its own little world. It's this way cause Walt was sooooo disappointed with how tacky the area around DL became! Yes, DCA, DLH and PP are the 'onproperty hotels' but it really just means they are connected to the parks via Downtown Disney and you don't have to cross any streets. You are SURROUNDED by busy streets, freeways, tacky hotels, 7-11s, McDonalds, etc. Once you are in the parks or your hotels, you kinda forget about it, but I'm just telling you, it's nothing like WDW! But still nice!

Yes, offsite hotels are pretty much as close as the main DL hotels, but just on another surrounding street and you will have to cross a street at a crosswalk. I would say walking from DL entrance to the DLH is the equivalent of 2-3 long blocks, but through Downtown Disney, fun ambience. Now, other, cheaper hotels are also 2-3 long blocks away, but you are walking on city streets or taking a hotel shuttle. Most non-Disney hotels I have stayed at are OK, but definitely don't have the ambience you are looking for. The best I've stayed at 'off property' is the Hilton Anaheim. We are going to stay at a la Quinta this next time, but because we have 3 kids and want a suite and don't want to spend $400 a night at the DL hotels for a suite! Last time (08/04) we stayed at the DLH and it seemed like quite a walk back to our room at the end of the day, but no further than I would say walking from the Spaceship Earth at Epcot to the resort busses.

All of the DLR hotels are within walking distance and don't offer any sort of transportation to the parks except the monorail (which plops you in Tomorrowland- kinda cool when there's not long waits). Look for the Good Neighbor Hotels of DL on the DL website or thru AAA to find hotels with decent reputations and shuttle service.

 

[iceskatejen]

DLR is waaaaaaay smaller than WDW. Everything (and I mean everything) is in walking distance. The two park entrances are literally about 300 yards from one another (that's the actual entrance gates). DCA was built in DL's old parking lot. The GCH is the only on-site hotel that is closer to the parks than some of the off-site ones that are on Harbor Blvd. The grounds at the DLH are nice. The Neverland pool is really cute.

You want at least 3 days (more if you're going during busy times like summer or spring break). BTW, we call Disneyland DL, not MK. That's reserved for the one in WDW, though on occasion in the park, it'll be referred to as the Magic Kingdom, but as Walt's Original Magic Kingdom.

There aren't many sit-down restaurants inside the parks. In DL, there are just 2, The Blue Bayou (the one inside POTC) and the Carnation Cafe on Main Street. In DCA there's the Wine Country Trattoria and the Vineyard Room. Everything else is counter service or what DL refers to as "buffeteria style." For the most part, the food is pretty good, even in the counter service places, though there are exceptions. In the hotels, I've only eaten at Goofy's Kitchen and Whitewater Snacks. Goofy's is a character buffet and is pretty good. Whitewater is essentially fast food, but high quality fast food. All the hot foods are made to order and I can highly recommened both the nachos and the charbroiled chicken sandwich. They're about the same price as in-park food, but much better tasting.

California doesn't have the humidity like Florida. Still, 90+ degrees is pretty hot, even with low humidity (still feels like and oven). Summer is crowded, as are spring breaks, and pretty much every weekend (DL draws a lot out of the local population, many of whom are AP holders), so unless you completely avoid weekends, even in the off-season, you'll see some crowds. During the off-season, weekdays are sometimes deserted. Since POTC seems to be a high priority on rides, you'll want to avoid this March 6 through June 24 as both the ride and the Blue Bayou will be closed for refurb.

San Fransisco is in Northern Ca--about 7-8 hour drive away. The redwoods are further. Sequioa is a bit closer, but not a day trip. Stick with LA, San Diego and such. Hoover Dam is near Las Vegas (Nevada) and takes at least 5 hours to get to. The Grand Canyon is about a day's drive. There are some other great attractions in S CA--Knott's, Universal, Sea World, the SD Zoo, etc... Plus there's beaches and lots of other things to see and do.

John Wayne (SNA) is the closest to DLR. Long Beach is the next closest. LAX and Ontario are both further, but still serve the S CA and DL area.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thank you all so much for the information! I'm beginning to get a much clearer picture of how DLR is laid out. Also, I saw an aerial view of the entire property in one of Mary Jo's threads. It really is sad to see, and gives so much more meaning to the words that Walt Disney said regarding WHY he bought so much land in Florida (I have a DVD with a video of Walt announcing his "Florida Project Plans"). I love Disney classics, and nothing is more classic than the Original Magic Kingdom, so I look forward to going there and really enjoying it this time. When I was there the last time, the friend I was staying with did not stop complaining the entire time. lol

Regarding PoC being closed, the WDW version will be closed during that same time period too, so I won't get to ride it when I'm there this May. I hope to spend a couple of days in WDW after our Disney cruise in the summer though. The trip to Calfornia won't be until until May 2007, but I love to plan in advance

I think it sounds like we'd be happy at either the Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel, but I'm leaning towards the GC right now.

Thanks again so much for all the info!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

1. Where should we stay? At WDW, our favorite resort is the Polynesian. It's our favorite because of its location, but also we enjoy the theming, restaurants, and view of the castle/Magic Kingdom. When we go to WDW, we don't even consider staying offsite. My first thought is to choose a Disneyland hotel/resort, but I just read that the GC is not near Disneyland, it's on California Adventure property. At this point I need to ask you to excuse any ignorance on my part, because I realize that maybe these 2 parks are adjacent to each other? Or are they further away, like the MK and Epcot are? I really am clueless when it comes to DLR. The GC looks like a resort we'd really enjoy, but how the other 2 resorts? I just read that they're both hi-rises?? How are the grounds at each of these hotels? I mean, if you had to compare them to any Disney World resorts, which would it be??

If it is in your budget, then stay at the Grand Californian, which is a cross between Wilderness Lodge & Grand Floridian. The Disneyland Resort (DLR) hotels are really nice, but they don't compare in theming to the WDW ones, except perhaps the Grand Californian. Having said that, my teens & I have stayed at both the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel, and we really enjoyed both of them.

If you're looking for something a little more in your budget, but still want to stay at a really nice hotel, then try the Sheraton or Marriott - they're both Superior properties. If you're looking for something more affordable, but don't want to spend time on shuttles to the parks then try the Candy Cane (most people rate this as No. 1 non-Disney), Best Western Park Place Inn (closest to Disneyland entrance), Howard Johnson (if you want a nice pool), or Park Inn & Suites. If you want a suite hotel I like Residence Inn Maingate, Embassy Suites South, and Residence Inn Resort Area.

There are a few threads stuck at the top that you should really go through:

Maps and Aerial Views of the Disneyland Resort, Good Neighbor Hotels, and Los Angeles/Orange County

Info on Visiting Disneyland

Hotel Information - Disneyland Resort & Good Neighbor - pictures of grounds, rooms, etc.

Other things to do the area when visiting Disneyland

Here is an aerial of the Disneyland Resort so you can see the two parks, Downtown Disney, and the Disney Hotels, and how they relate to each other. The Grand Californian Hotel, Downtown Disney, and California Adventure now sit where the parking lot used to be, and the parking structure took the place of the two campgrounds that used to sit across the street from Disneyland.

2. How many days would we need to see Disneyland (Dumb question: Should I call it the Magic Kingdom?? Sort of like when people call the Magic Kingdom at WDW "Disney World". lol) DH is not into thrill rides, and DSs are mildly interested in them. How many days for each park, going at a moderate speed? We're not commando park people, but we don't stop and mingle at every single shop or ride, either. I'm thinking two days at the Magic Kingdom, a day at California Adventure? What else is there? lol

If you are going to be visiting other sights in California, then I would say that you could visit the two parks in three days, devoting a full day to Disneyland, almost a full day in California Adventure, and the third visiting attractions/shows that you missed or just want to do/see again. Or one day at Disneyland and two days hopping back and forth between the two parks. If you want a more leisurely pace, with pool time, etc., then four days. When you say Disneyland, most people understand you to mean the park itself, however, I must say that Disneyland IS the original Magic Kingdom.

3. What are the better restaurants? I've heard there's a restauraint INSIDE Pirates of the Caribbean!!! This is my all-time favorite ride, so the idea of being able to dine inside this attraction just thrills me!! I am used to WDW having so many good dining choices, what are the dining choices like at DLR??

My picks are:
Disneyland: Blue Bayou, French Market, Hungry Bear (only because my dd likes to sit next to Rivers of America & feed the ducks & you can watch the Mark Twain, Columbia, & canoes pass by), Pizza Port, Plaza Inn. California Adventure: Pacific Wharf, Golden Vine Trattoria. Grand Californian: Storytellers. Downtown Disney: Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo's. I also like Whitewater Snacks at Grand Californian for a quick bite. Disneyland Hotel: Hook's Pointe, though a bit expensive. Across the street from the parks, I like Mimi's Cafe for something more economical and tasty..

4. What time of year would you recommend? We did WDW last July and I've sworn to never do that again. It was just way too humid! It wasn't even that the heat was bad, I can live with 90+ degrees, but the humidity on top of that was truly oppressive! For reference, we like to go to WDW in the spring and fall, crowds are manageable and weather is great. Would this be true also for DLR??

My favorite time is November-December, when all the holiday decorations are up. I also like late spring when everything is blooming, and summer when everything is open late and there is more sunlight to enjoy the day..

5. What other cities/attractions do you recommend? Not sure we're interested in other theme parks; we want to see more of California itself, maybe San Francisco, the giant redwoods, etc. I realize the redwoods are much further north, it is within a day's drive? Anything else within a day's drive? Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam? (My geography is really bad so if these questions seem ridiculous, then please excuse me ) Edited to add: I just saw the "Other things to do when in the area" thread!

I do recommend seeing the California Missions - good one is San Juan Capistrano, about an hour (or less) south of Disneyland. I recommend visiting San Diego - shopping area near the ocean, Old Town, Gaslamp district, La Jolla ... Los Angeles - beach area, Hollywood-Mann's Chinese Theater/Kodak Theater complex (see a taping if they have one going while you're here), museums if you like them, take in a baseball game - Dodgers or Angels ... Santa Barbara/Solvang - full day trip ... Monterey and/or San Francisco - about 8-hour drive ... Sequoia National Park - about 5.5-6 hour drive ... Yosemite - about 7 hour drive ... I've been to all of them, and they are all great places to visit.

6. I assume we'd want to fly into LAX? If not LAX, then which airport?

Some people will scream DON'T GO TO LAX! but, I live & work near the airport & use it often with no problem, however, if you can get good airfare going to Orange County/John Wayne Airport, then by all means, fly there. Another good alternative is Long Beach Airport.


Nice to see you're coming out to our part of the country, SeaSpray -- it's lovely here & I hope you have a great visit!!

 

[ter-moo]

Hey Terry!

Welcome to the Disneyland boards! I've encountered you on the WDW boards (I remember you because I'm married to a "John" also, and my name is Terri!)

Here's another view of the resort that will help you:

www.accommodationsneardisney.com/default.asp

I'd definitely recommend the GC if I were you. It's similar in style to the Wilderness Lodge, and is by far the best Disney property. It's also the most convenient for the parks and Downtown Disney. They have a concierge level, but I don't know what all is offered with that.

Most of the off-site hotels are actually motels and would qualify more in the "value" range. They're basic and nothing fancy. The Candy Cane Inn is the exception (www.candycaneinn.net). It's more like a moderate, with the exception of a lack of theming and no grounds to speak of.

The whole Disneyland Resort is plopped right in the middle of a bustling city, and doesn't have the luxury of land that WDW has. The two parks (DL and DCA) are next to each other (DCA was actually built in the old DL parking lot) with entrances right across from each other with a large plaza area between. I'd say that 3-4 days is sufficient to thoroughly cover both, depending on what time of year you go. It's not as humid here in the summer, so the heat's a bit easier to take, but the crowds are big.

One thing that's different about the crowds is that there are LOADS of locals who frequent the parks. They almost always get fuller in the late afternoons (when school gets out) and evenings--even during slower times.

As far as restaurants go, you MUST have lunch at the Blue Bayou. I say lunch because that's when they have their Monte Cristo sandwiches--not to be missed. Ask for a table by the water and have fun watching the Pirates boats go by.

The GC has a lovely restaurant called Napa Rose that's good for a very special meal. Their more casual place is Storyteller's Cafe. There are several character dinners offered at various places, but you won't see the heavily themed restaurants that you have at WDW.

I hope this helps!

 

[wdwgirl03]

When we went, we stayed at the Fairfield Inn, which is obviously not one of the Disneyland hotels. It literally took us a couple of minutes to walk to the parks. Once you're in the resort, everything is so close together. It's just right across the walkway to get from Disneyland to California Adventure. We also flew into the Orange County airport.

 

[vellamint]

This is another clickable map for you...unfortunately since the last time we went to California he has had to pull his reviews but you can still see where a lot of things are in relation to each other.

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

This link will tell you FAQ's about the Grand Californian...

http://www.thompsonfamilyweb.com/dgc_faq/

I did not read everyone else's replies but San Diego is only two hours away and it is BEAUTIFUL.

This is supposedly the only true movie studio tour left to do in Los Angeles..

http://wbsf.warnerbros.com/home.html

These are places that you can get tickets to see television shows being taped..we did not get to go on these as our children are too young but I believe your boys are of age. (I think you need to be 16 but some might be 18) They are free but you need to get them ahead of time. One of my nephews actually got onto the Price is Right all the way to the showcase showdown. (He lost but did win a nice couch! LOL)

http://www.tvtickets.com/fmi/xsl/shows/recordlist.xsl?

http://tvtix.com/schedule.php