Need Help Planning Our 1st DL Trip!!

[doc hog]

Please Help!!!!

My family and friends are thinking of going to DL in 2005. How many days do we need to plan for? We go to WDW at least once a year but have yet to see DL. We are also thinking about visiting other CA sites since we are from the East Coast.
Any suggestions?

Thanks...........Doc Hog

 

[disneypremium]

It is probably best to plan to weeks ahead so you can find a hotel and get familiar with the area! PM me if you need more help.

 

[LuvTigger]

I would say for DL/DCA, plan on 3-4 days. We stayed 4 days October 2001, and it was a very leisurely trip. We covered everything in the parks and also had time to do things like a hotel tour and Walk in Walt's Footsteps. At minimum, try to allow 3 days.

As for other things to do, you could easily spend 2-3 weeks and have lots of things to do. Knott's Berry Farm is only about 15 minutes away from DL. A little farther (45-60 minutes) is Universal Studios, and about 60-90 minutes is Magic Mountain. And that's just the amusement attractions!

Also, if you get a chance, drive down to San Diego for a few days. It's beautiful there, and there are attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

If you're feeling very adventurous and have a lot of time, you could also go up north to San Francisco, or Yosemite. Lake Tahoe is beautiful too.

You'll have LOTS of options. You might want to start first with how much time you can spend in CA and then plug in which things are priorities to you and your group.

Happy planning!

 

[betty2379]

Ditto to the last message. What you plan to do also depends on the time of year (and our unpredictable weather). If the weather is nice (which it usually is), you must check out the beaches. Newport and Balboa Beach are close by. If you have more time, go up to Los Angeles and spend some time at Venice Beach and the boardwalk. There is also an beachfront amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier. While you are in L.A. you can visit Beverly Hills, Universal Studios, the Grove at Farmers Market, and catch the current Disney feature at the El Capitan in Hollywood. LA has the largest population of many ethnic peoples outside of their home country, so there is excellent ethnic food and large ethnic communities throughout the county. If you have little kids, Legoland is a must. San Diego also has a lot of attractions.

 

[doc hog]

Thanks! This gives me some good ideas. San Diego sounds good, as does Venice Beach.
Doc Hog

 

[ilovemky]

just remember--DL and DCA are mere "steps" apart with DTD in the middle so it is easy to hop back and forth each day and also to go to the hotel for an afternoon nap. also, be aware that July 17, 2005 is the 50th anniversary.