Need Some Help Please....

[mrswortham]

Hi to all

I have been reading the boards for quite some time, and this is my first post. All of you are so helpful....now I need some help.

I am planning a trip for our family (me, dh, 6 yo ds, 2 yo ds) to go to California next April, with the main focus being on Disneyland/DCA. I am also wanting to make it up to Legoland, as my 6 yo is a Lego Freak!

Anyhow, I am wondering if it is worth it to even stay at San Diego for any length of time, or if we should just take a day to go up to Legoland. Also, if we should rent a car, or if there are other ways of getting to San Diego that do not take too long (2 yo will get restless).

Also, another question.....considering our small child (not worried about the 6 yo getting too worn out ;o)), and taking breaks/naps, etc.....how long would be a "nice" stay to see and enjoy Disneyland, and DCA? I was thinking perhaps a week, but I don't know if that would be too long?

Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

Amy

 

[roypar]

You could probably see DCA in less than a day. Disneyland, if it's your
first time there, you'd probably want to go for at least two days. I
would say four days max is enough time to get the whole Disney
experience. 1 day at DCA, 2 days at Disneyland, and the 4th day
to park hop and go back on the rides you really enjoyed, and just
take a leisurely day to soak in the two parks atmospheres. Also,
if your going in April and you want to see Fantasmic or one of the
other night time shows, make sure you check the schedules.
During the off season the parks close early on the weekdays, and
most of the shows are only on the weekends-Fri and Saturday.

me personally, i think it's definately worth staying at San Diego. It's
a beautiful city, plus the San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the
world. I think they still have the baby panda and it's parents there.
Also Sea World is fairly nice, as well as the Wild Animal Park. I
haven't been to Legoland yet, but I hear it's great for kids.

As for getting to San Diego, I don't know if there's any other way
to get there other than a rental car. Maybe someone else would
know. But, San Diego is only an hour and a half at the most from
Anaheim, and there's just so much to see and do here in So Cal,
that you might prefer having a car to get around.

Also, if I may recommend a few things to sample at Disneyland.
The mint julips and apple fritters in New Orleans Square are a
must.
The Banyan Beef skewers at AdventureLand are also delicious.
The cherry sour balls are great to snack on. ( Every time I drop
by the park, I always have to get cherry sour balls)
Also in Downtown Disney, they sell these delicious raspberry
chocolate chip cookies in the candy store there.

Hope that helps a little. Hopefully other people will have some
suggestions too.

 

[Amy1013]

Hi, Amy

I live in San Diego and I'd recommend getting a car and making the drive down to San Diego for a couple of days. As the previous poster stated, there is a lot to see in San Diego- the Zoo, Sea World, beaches- and the trip from Anaheim is not very long at all- 1 1/2 to 2 hours at most times. There really isn't a better way to getting back and forth from Anaheim to San Diego than driving, and it's an easy car ride, with Legoland about halfway between the two places in Carlsbad. You can travel the I-5 freeway and get to Legoland, San Diego and Anaheim.

I'd also recommend two days, at least, at Disneyland. I haven't been to DCA yet, but from what I've been hearing, there isn't so much there that you can't get that park seen in one day. When at Disneyland, I'd highly recommend eating at the Blue Bayou restaurant, in New Orleans Square. Great atmosphere and you get a view of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Don't miss eating at one of the restaurants in Downtown Disney, which is just outside the gates of Disneyland between the two parks. Rainforest Cafe is a favorite place of my family's, good food and great atmosphere- though be aware that it gets very noisy inside with simulated thunderstorms that occur about once every 20 min. , in case any of your children don't like loud noises.

 

[princessjoy]

I've heard nothing but raves about Legoland! All the kids just LOVE it!! Since your six year old is a Lego freak, you should go. Theres also a Lego store in Downtown Disney! We didn't go in, but there are giant Legos outside. I think four days is great for DCA and DL. On our last trip we did two days at each. We had a five year old, a two year old and a 8 month old with us.
Disney does a great job with child swap passes. So if your two year old wants to take a nap in the stroller (I'ld recommend bringing yours from home), dad can take your other child on a ride, when they get done, dad can take the little one while you and the child take the child swap pass and go on the ride again.
Good luck!

 

[teri]

Be sure to check out Mary Jo's post at the top of the page, Other Things to Do In Southern CA.

I would suggest a minimum of 3 days at DL/DCA for a good introduction. With DCA, the resort features and DD, there is so much more to do there now, 2 days is just scratching the surface. A week would be a bit much unless you are going out to other attractions, in which case you may want to move closer to those.