Need help to plan our California Trip

[Sammy Cat]

Hi guys, I really need help in planning our Disneyland California trip!

I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 8. Now I want to take my kids at around the same age I was but I have no idea what I am in for as I am not familiar with the area. Any vets advice would be much appreciated!

Timing / Crowds / Weather:
I am thinking of going in spring or summer of 2013. In spring it would be the last two weeks of March or in Summer the first couple of weeks in July (we cannot have the kids miss too much school and I think we will need at least 2 weeks). We don't want crazy crowds/long lines or the weather to be too hot, but we do enjoy swimming. Which time frame would you recommend over the other?

Where to stay:
If we go in March we will want to visit DLR, Universal Studios/Hollywood and San diego with my parents who typically go to Palm Springs in March. They will stay with us for part or all of the trip. Can you recommend a reasonable place (perhaps a suite /timeshare where 4 adults and 2 kids could all stay comfortably together?)

If we go in summer it will most likely just be the four of us flying down. I like the idea of staying on site, it is quite expensive, but it might be doable if it is only for a few days and then move to another hotel somewhere else - like 3-4 nights on site at DLH and then a beach hotel in San Diego for a few nights and then LA? Not sure what to do first or how to best visit the area.

What to see:
As said earlier, here is what we want to do (in order of most importance)
1. Disneyland and California Adventures
2. Universal Studios
3. Legoland
4. San Diego Zoo
5. Knottsberry Farm
6. Sightseeing Hollywood
7. The beach

Is there anything on my list NOT worth seeing? Anything I missed?

Lastly, and most importantly, how would you plan your holiday around visiting all these places? Would you do split stays, if so, where would you start and where would you finish and where would you stay and for how long in each place?

I know it is a lot to ask but I am really needing help as I am totally lost on the planning side of this. It seems all so daunting! TY in advance!

 

[HydroGuy]

If you have not found it here is a good place to start:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Both times you mention are likely to be busy. What you will read over and over on this board are folks who tried going in summer and reported it was not nearly as bad as they were expecting. Summer crowds are there but they are manageable. I don't go to DLR at Spring Break so can't say, but it sounds like it is similar but even a little busier than summer.

OK, weather. If you go in March then the beach will be something you can visit but not fully enjoy. The water will be too cold to go in, and the air temps will make it fine to walk around there but not really to spend a lot of time there. See "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158


July will be a lot more fun at the beach. Swiiming will also be more fun. Personally we would not swim in March. A little too cold.

As for hitting all the theme parks, understand that California offers much, much more than theme parks. Consider branching out.

Here are some ideas:

1. Science, Nature and Recreational -

Beaches
La Brea Tar Pits
Yosemite National Park
Sequoia National Park
Grand Canyon (in next door Arizona)
Big Sur coastline
whitewater rafting
Catalina Island
Sailing
Jet Skiing

2. Historical

Spanish Missions (e.g., San Juan Capistrano near DLR)
Aerospace (Rueben Fleet Museum in SD)

3. Culture and Entertainment

Hollywood Blvd
Rodeo Drive
Studio tours
Tours of the stars' homes
Live TV show tapings
Las Vegas
San Francisco
Santa Monica Pier
Wine Country / Napa Valley

 

[andee2000]

We went in July last time and it was busy but not unmanageable. Definately read up on the fast pass system as my husband wasn't on board and we waited in too many long lines. We are going to do a do over trip this coming July and he is now on board with fast pass (heh). I am from New Mexico so I didn't find July too hot at all since we are used to heat.

Check out vrbo.com for your San Diego and LA portions of your visit. We decided on a beach house for us and my parents to share while at the beach and it was cheaper than a hotel.

Last time we did three days at DLR and then 1 day at Sea World. Hotels in San Diego are kind of expensive, in my opinion, but I found a Residence Inn for San Diego that my parents and us shared.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

That's funny because my very first thought was March for sure, but then I am a wimp for heat. Being from Canada, you may feel the same way.

We went to Laguna Beach in the middle of October and swam at the beach just fine. Not sure how the temp's compare to March.

You may want to check out the Citypass if you do attractions in San Diego and Disneyland/Universal.

I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

 

[Lissame]

Even with two weeks, I'd hesitate to absolutely pack your two weeks full of going from place to place each day. I think you'll get burned out--DLR, Knotts, Legoland, and Universal are a LOT of rides and line waiting. If your kids are around 8, skipping Knotts might be an option (depending on how tall they are and how adventurous they are).

Just recommending that you add in a bit of down time. Also, if you're planning to rent a car and drive to these places, realize that everything takes about twice as long to get to as you might think. Freeways are crowded, especially on week days.

Not trying to discourage you, just factor that into your plans.

I too would go in July, summer at DLR is great!

 

[skiingfast]

What to see:
As said earlier, here is what we want to do (in order of most importance)
1. Disneyland and California Adventures
2. Universal Studios
3. Legoland
4. San Diego Zoo
5. Knottsberry Farm
6. Sightseeing Hollywood
7. The beach

Looks like a 10 ten attraction list, though it may not be perfect for your group. How old are the kids? For Legoland it's great for 6 and under, good for 7-9, and bad for older. For Universal it's the opposite.

If you go in March, look to the Residence Inn Maingate. In SD Paradise Point. Though to save money you probably just should do two rooms.

In July which I would reccomend for beach weather that you should expect in California, stay closer. Paradise Point will be fine, but around DLR you should really stay closer, across from the parks on Harbor Boulevard.

Also look into a room(s) near Universal.

Try to plan your trip SD, to USH to DLR. Some people fly into SD and out from a LA airport. For DLR you won't need a rental car, for the other your will.

For July, avoid DLR the first week. Because that week contains the 4th of July it will be busier than the second. Of course Knott's the Zoo ecetera will also be busier. It would be better if you could go a week late rin general.

Try to avoid DLR, USH, Knotts and the beach on the weekends. Lines will be worse and crowds thicker.