Need help with post-Disney stay

[las3888]

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice on a 3 night stay in early August after a 4 night stay at GCV. We were originally planning to do 4 nights at Disney, then 3 nights either near Legoland or San Diego. However, with the incredibly expensive flights we had to settle for an early AM flight out of LAX so would like to be within an easy drive of the airport (40-ish minutes probably or less) So we now have 2 thoughts:

1 - stay at Doubletree in Hotel Circle (San Diego) for 2 nights, with a trip to Legoland on the way down, the one day we are there we go to the zoo, then we trek back to LA to stay at Embassy Suites LAX airport hotel. Con's: lots of driving, moving hotel rooms, time is wasted checking in/out of hotels, driving, too many hotels in 7 nights.

2 - stay in LA area for 3 whole nights and do more sightseeing in LA area, maybe making a day trip to Legoland.

This seems a little more appealing, but we have no idea where to stay. We looked at Santa Monica and it is too expensive for our budget. We are looking for a suite type accommodation with an actual door (this is what works best for our family and I want us all to sleep on vacation!). We are looking at nicer hotels like Embassy Suites or Doubletree (suites) and funny thing, the best prices are in the Anaheim area. Does it make sense to stay at an off-site Anaheim hotel but not have plans to do Disney? Our remaining days we might go to Legoland for a day trip, and the rest of the time maybe do Knott's Berry Farm, plus we would like to see the Queen Mary. We like to go out to dinner at places like Cheesecake Factory. Is there any other area you recommend that is maybe within a 40 minute drive of the airport? We would love to have beach or water views, but don't know if we would actually go to the beach itself. We would like to feel like we are on vacation, and not at a business hotel either.

So, what do you think? Stick with plan 1 (SD) and move around (zoo is not extremely important to us but it would be fun), or find a nicer hotel in the Anaheim area with suites (any recommendations?), or find another LA area that has nice suite accommodations but is budget-friendly. Any thoughts on the Embassy Suites locations near Anaheim?

Sorry this is long-winded. I have read about 8 travel books and scoured all the hotel websites but I still can't get a feel for what it is really like in the Anaheim or other areas. We have been to Anaheim a few times but always stayed at CG hotel or villas and have barely left DL property for our previous stays.

TIA!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I would make the zoo a higher priority than Knott's Berry Farm. The chicken at Knott's famous restaurant is good, but after Disneyland the rides will seem like a cheapo imitation of the mouse.

Which would you rather do, drive more or change hotels? The drive is do-able as long as you avoid rush hour. As far as changing hotels often, you can lessen the hassle by strategic packing so you don't have to open/repack every suitcase every day.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I wouldnt change hotels. I would just do the driving. Just drive after initial traffic and you can drive back after the rush hour. It would also give you more time out and enjoy everything while waiting for rush hour to go by.

 

[Miksma]

Do not underestimate the traffic around here. I'm 10 miles south of DL. We've been both DCR and Legoland AP holders. In the best of circumstances, without traffic, using car-pool lanes, it takes me 1 hour to get to Legoland. With traffic, it could take 3 hours. I once traveled on a Saturday morning and it took me 3.5 hours to get to a place two exits beyond the Legoland exit. Think driving from Chicago to southeastern Wisconsin on a Friday afternoon in gridlock traffic. Keep in mind as well that Legoland does a terrible job of moving cars through the parking entrance kiosks. In August, it can back up to the freeway. Maddening. You want to get there as early as you can.

That said, if I were you, I would strongly discourage #2. Driving to Carlsbad from LA for a day trip? That's 2 hours each way in the best of circumstances. One guy has an accident and you're sitting there in the August heat. I'd rather eat my arm.

I would check out of Anaheim, stay your two nights in Carlsbad to do the Legoland/zoo thing, then leave Carlsbad after dinner to head north to spend the last night at whatever hotel you choose in the strip right at LAX. There are plenty of options there and as long as you're just going to stay in your hotel....who cares about the sight-seeing options (or lack thereof).

Next to Legoland is a nice outdoor outlet mall and there is a huge flower field. There are many restaurant options there or just on the other side of the freeway. There is also a nice u-pick strawberry field.

Queen Mary -- ditch it. Took my kids on free day and it was barely worth that.

Knott's -- haven't been in a couple of years and it could be fun but I wouldn't go out of my way to make it happen.

If you're set on staying in OC and making "day trips" to the San Diego area, check out Newport Beach. Also groupon may have some hotel deals from time to time. Seriously, no beach? If you change your mind, my favorite is Crystal Cove State Beach. Gorgeous and no crowds ever since they charge to get in.

Hope that helps you.

 

[hockeybabe]

Did you look at westinnandsuites.com in Carlsbad?