My first trip to DLR (That I'm planning)

[chirurgeon]

Hello,

I am doing the planning for my next trip to DLR. My first trip was a DIS sponsored ABD Backstage Magic. As a veteran of WDW I absolutely fell in love with all of the Disneyland Resort. As a solo traveler and someone who doesn't want to deal with driving, I will be staying on property. Still debating Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian. I did love the GC, and still thinking about renting points to stay in a studio.

So, now for the questions.

1) When I was leaving the resort for the airport I did see some sort of bus that appeared to be similar to Magical Express. Does this run from only LAX or from SNA as well? I had flown thru LAX this last time. Does staying DVC make a difference?


2) What are the crowd levels like mid to late April? I am trying to not go during a hot time. And after Easter.

3) So tell me what makes one Disney Hotel better than another. I know the advantages of GC. Its the closest of the three hotels and I did like the decor. I also know the Disneyland Hotel was recently rehabbed. Don't know anything about Paradise Pier.

That's it for now.

Thanks,
Kim

 

[chirurgeon]

Bump

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi Kim,

My answers below:

1) When I was leaving the resort for the airport I did see some sort of bus that appeared to be similar to Magical Express. Does this run from only LAX or from SNA as well? I had flown thru LAX this last time. Does staying DVC make a difference?
The Disneyland Express is a bus line that is relatively inexpensive, and runs from both LAX and SNA. There is also SuperShuttle. I used SuperShuttle from my home recently, and it worked fine. If you use either one look on the web for discounts. There are no free shuttles to Disney operated hotels.

2) What are the crowd levels like mid to late April? I am trying to not go during a hot time. And after Easter.
Spring breaks differ from county to county. I'm not really good about judging crowd levels, so hopefully you will get feedback from others who have been to the resort during that time. I do think that late April will give you better odds for less crowds and better weather.

3) So tell me what makes one Disney Hotel better than another. I know the advantages of GC. Its the closest of the three hotels and I did like the decor. I also know the Disneyland Hotel was recently rehabbed. Don't know anything about Paradise Pier.
Personally, I like the GC because it has a great lobby to relax in. I haven't stayed at the DLH since they rehabbed the rooms, though. Do you plan on hanging around the hotel more? Though the GCH has a great lobby, the DLH has a wonderful outdoor area to relax at, and you might enjoy that if the weather is nice.

 

[chirurgeon]

Thanks, Mary Jo.

Kim