Need Hotel/Transport/Crowd Advice for 1st trip to DL

[KatieCharlotte]

We're Disney World veterans, but this would be our first trip to DL. It may be our only DL trip, so I want to get things right, but DH may only agree to two park days. For various reasons, we need to travel in mid to late June. We would fly in to LAX and then drive out to Yosemite after DL.

(1) Should we stay onsite? The prices are outrageous and I don't expect room-only discounts in June. We could stay just as close, for a lot less. But, we pay those prices to stay onsite at Universal Orlando for the early entry and express passes. Will we regret not having early entry every morning at that time of year, especially since we will be adjusting to the Eastern Time Zone and waking up at 5 a.m. anyway? Or would we be fine staying nearby and possibly getting 3-day tickets for one early DL entry and a part day at the park on the day we arrive? We hate long lines but also like to travel on a budget when possible. Our Disney Visa rewards will cover most of the cost of 2-day tickets. 3-day tickets would total $200 more.

(2) Should we rent a car at the airport, or does it make more sense to take a shuttle and then rent a car when it's time to drive to Yosemite? Are there car rentals within walking distance of the park?

(3) Does DL in June require comparable planning to DW at spring break -- mapping out the order of attractions and maximizing fastpasses? Is there a list of attractions that need to be early or FP? We love dark rides, and my kids do not like meet and greets.

 

[luulu1999]

I can never in my mind justify staying on site there is so much more I could use that money for lol, 2 days you won't get to do a lot just make sure and get up and get to the parks at opening that is when they crowds are at the least and you get SO much done the first few hours of park opening, we have stayed at Park Vue Inn and loved it it has outdoor corridors and is directly across the street, we are staying at the new Homewood Suites in June when we go this year but it depends on what you like in a hotel, def make the most out of FP the new star wars space mt is pretty popular so you will need a FP for it early (im assuming that will still be happening this summer) also RSR in DCA runs out pretty quick in the day. I can't help you on the travel from the airport because we usually drive so this will be our first trip we are flying, I would say if you are staying somewhere you have to pay to park it would make since to just rent the car when its time for Yosemite! I would def do 3 days if you could!!