Need some west coast expertise

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We're DVC members who have more WDW trips than we can count under our belts, but we've never been to Disneyland. We're planning a somewhat impromptu trip for this December, and need some help!

Two adults, one a school teacher, so we're locked into traveling during the school break. If we don't spend at least a few days of it in Pennsylvania for the holiday, we'll never hear the end of it from my mother. So, we're planning to drive from Norfolk area to Philly, and fly from/to there. We'll be in California from December 22-29.

My original planning had us in Anaheim that entire time. The other night, I was told, "I want to see California, not just Disneyland." So the planning just got a little more difficult.

Here are my questions:

1. Several friends and co-workers have told me Disneyland (both parks) can be done in three days. I was planning to spend 4 nights (Dec 22-26). Is this a good amount of time for a first visit? Any special considerations due to Christmas week crowds with this regard?

2. It's too late for us to use DVC points for our stay, so we'll be paying cash. There's a heck of a difference between the Disney resort prices and the good neighbor prices. I really like staying at Embassy Suites when I travel on business. There is a room available at Embassy Suites Anaheim South. The suite plus free breakfast sounds like a good deal, and is $1000 less than the cheapest Disney option. We could swing the extra $$$ to stay at Disney if there's a big difference, but wonder if it's necessary. What would we miss out on staying in a hotel that's a mile away? What might we regret?

3. Disneyland dining plan has me so confused. I know being on the WDW dining plan requires a lot of pre-planning and advanced reservations. Is the same true for Disneyland? I'm concerned about being a newbie and not knowing how to get the most out of the plan. I was thinking of the Goofy 3-day plan, but wonder if we'd be better off paying cash for meals.

4. In Florida, we usually use Disney's Magical Express and don't use a rental car. The package we're looking at includes an Anaheim Shuttle, I presume to get back and forth between hotel and parks. Is a rental car suggested, or can we get from/to LAX using a shuttle, town car, or taxi?

5. Has anyone ever been to the Crystal Cathedral? We enjoy the Hour of Power, and thought it might be nice to go there for a Christmas service. If we don't go with a rental car, is it close enough to get to by cab?

6. Where to in California after Disneyland? Such a big state, so little time! I guess LA and San Diego are closer, but San Francisco has more appeal to us. It's a pretty good jaunt away, though. Is it a scenic drive that would make it worthwhile? Any interesting places to stop along the way? Or is a flight from LAX to SFO the better alternative?

7. We're looking at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. It looks to be in the midst of the tourist areas, and has a good balance between cost and rating on hotels.com. Any better suggestions (part of town to stay in, or specific hotel) would be welcome.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kccmom]

Well, being a Northern Calif. girl, I would say if you wanted to go to SF in a short amount of time, flying would be a good choice, although the drive is wonderful, it is long. The Marriott at Fishermans Wharf is a great choice and very centrally located for alot of fun stuff to do in SF. Pier 39 is there as well a Ghiradelli Square, all within walking distance. This would be just my 2 cents. Good Luck!!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I can't answer all of your questions, but we are WDW vets with over 100 trips under our belts, but since our son recently moved to Orange County, we are now making trips to DL, have our third one this year coming up in less than 3 weeks. We had some of the same questions/dilemmas that you have and I will gladly answer what I can. Planning a trip to DL was like planning a trip to Mars or Venus for me. I can do a trip to WDW in my sleep, but I really stressed over making sure our trip to DL was all we had hoped. My answers are in red below.

We're DVC members who have more WDW trips than we can count under our belts, but we've never been to Disneyland. We're planning a somewhat impromptu trip for this December, and need some help!

Two adults, one a school teacher, so we're locked into traveling during the school break. If we don't spend at least a few days of it in Pennsylvania for the holiday, we'll never hear the end of it from my mother. So, we're planning to drive from Norfolk area to Philly, and fly from/to there. We'll be in California from December 22-29.

My original planning had us in Anaheim that entire time. The other night, I was told, "I want to see California, not just Disneyland." So the planning just got a little more difficult.

Here are my questions:

1. Several friends and co-workers have told me Disneyland (both parks) can be done in three days. I was planning to spend 4 nights (Dec 22-26). Is this a good amount of time for a first visit? Any special considerations due to Christmas week crowds with this regard?

2. It's too late for us to use DVC points for our stay, so we'll be paying cash. There's a heck of a difference between the Disney resort prices and the good neighbor prices. I really like staying at Embassy Suites when I travel on business. There is a room available at Embassy Suites Anaheim South. The suite plus free breakfast sounds like a good deal, and is $1000 less than the cheapest Disney option. We could swing the extra $$$ to stay at Disney if there's a big difference, but wonder if it's necessary. What would we miss out on staying in a hotel that's a mile away? What might we regret?

We have been very lucky to have all our stays at VGC, along with 2 nights at the DL Hotel. We have not stayed on Harbor, but everyone on this site says that staying on site at DL is not as necessary at DL as it is at WDW. You literally are driving down the freeway one minute, take an exit, and you are right in DL. It is surrounded by suburbia. In fact, if winds are over 8 mph, they don't do the fireworks because the debris hits cars on the freeway and lands in surrounding neighborhood yards.

It seems as if the immersive Disney experience is not quite the same at DL as WDW, so I am not sure you would miss out on anything at all that is worth $1,000.00.


3. Disneyland dining plan has me so confused. I know being on the WDW dining plan requires a lot of pre-planning and advanced reservations. Is the same true for Disneyland? I'm concerned about being a newbie and not knowing how to get the most out of the plan. I was thinking of the Goofy 3-day plan, but wonder if we'd be better off paying cash for meals.

I would not even bother with the dining plan. Dining at DL is nothing like WDW. There are only 2, I think, indoor, table service restaurants in DL and a couple in California Adventure. Our first trip was during the monsoons in January, and because most dining is outside, everything was closed. We had a hard time finding somewhere to sit inside and have a meal. You may want to make a couple of dining reservations, but a dining plan is just not necessary. I have read that their plan is vouchers, and if you buying something for $4.50, and pay with a $5.00 voucher, you do not get change.

4. In Florida, we usually use Disney's Magical Express and don't use a rental car. The package we're looking at includes an Anaheim Shuttle, I presume to get back and forth between hotel and parks. Is a rental car suggested, or can we get from/to LAX using a shuttle, town car, or taxi?

In May we arrived at LAX with the intention of taking the Disneyland Express. It had just left when we got to the pick up spot with our bags, so we hopped on a Super Shuttle that took us directly to the DL hotel. The cost was about $20.00 pp once we gave the driver a tip. To catch transportation from LAX to DL is very easy. You literally pick up your bags at baggage claim and you walk outside, see signs that say "Ground Transportation" or something similar and you wait right there for something to come along, no matter if it be Disneyland Express or Super Shuttle. When I told the drill to my DH, he looked at me like I had 4 heads, and I could tell he thought there had to more to it than that, but it really is that simple.

We did take the Disneyland Express back to LAX from the DL hotel and it was a very simple process. I would use either option on future trips.

This is about all I can help you with, but I am sure the friendly people on these Boards will chime in with more info for you.

If you need any further perspective from a WDW vet that has just started visiting DL, please ask away.


5. Has anyone ever been to the Crystal Cathedral? We enjoy the Hour of Power, and thought it might be nice to go there for a Christmas service. If we don't go with a rental car, is it close enough to get to by cab?

6. Where to in California after Disneyland? Such a big state, so little time! I guess LA and San Diego are closer, but San Francisco has more appeal to us. It's a pretty good jaunt away, though. Is it a scenic drive that would make it worthwhile? Any interesting places to stop along the way? Or is a flight from LAX to SFO the better alternative?

7. We're looking at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. It looks to be in the midst of the tourist areas, and has a good balance between cost and rating on hotels.com. Any better suggestions (part of town to stay in, or specific hotel) would be welcome.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

One more quick thing, here is a link to my random observations after our very first trip to DL. As a WDW vet, I thought you might find some of this interesting, and I definitely hop you will post your thoughts when you get back.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2386987

 

[Whidbey5]

Don't bother with the Disneyland dining plan. As mentioned above, it is NOTHING like the plan at WDW. I WISH DL had a similar plan, but trust me, it's not worth the hassle.

Your stay time seems like enough time to see the parks. We usually stay between four and seven days and we've felt like we've had plenty of time on each trip.

Remember that Christmas is a really busy time in the parks...but not as crazy-busy as WDW!!! We were in FL last Christmas and the parks were INSANE.

Have you tried booking a room at the Disneyland Hotel with your points? You may be able to get in. The Grand is probably sold out (and now you can only stay in the Villas with points...grrr) but you could try the other two. Maybe you have already? I love staying on property, but I've stayed at the Fairfield before and the location is great.

The drive to San Francisco always takes longer than I think it should. Be warned that it is quite the drive!

Have fun and enjoy your stay. I think it will help going into the trip remembering that WDW and DL and two very different experiences. I think those who are most familiar with WDW feel DL is really small and those most familiar with DL feel WDW is way too spread out. It's all in what you are used to, I guess!

 

[aristocat65]

PP's have given you great info so far. I'll try to add a bit

Totally agree Dining plan is useless. We love WDW dining plan, but never get the DL one - no value there.

We've stayed at Embassy Suites South a few times and really like it. I will say that at Christmas time, you may want to see if you can get something walking distance. Even if you won't be driving and parking, the parks will be SO busy, (and so will the Anaheim Resort Transport) you will be better off.

With regard to car rental. We usually do rent a car, but we are a family and we don't go at Christmas. If I were you I would take the Disneyland Bus from the airport (run by grayline I think, and not free like the Magical Express). You can always rent a car at the Alamo in Downtown Disney during your trip if you want. You could even fly into LA, rent the car at the end of your Disneyland visit and drive to SF and fly home from there.

I haven't been to Crystal Cathedral, but we have driven by it. It is in Garden Grove and probably about 10 minutes from DL. Definitely doable by taxi.

HTH. Have a great trip

 

[Miss Peach]

Hi!

I agree with the posters above.

Embassy Suites will be fine.

Skip their dining plan, it ends up costing more on average to use it at DL.

If you are going to the Crystal Cathedral check out their website for information on their HUGE Christmas pagent--The Glory of Christmas. It is terrific, but they might not hold it this year as they have had issues with non payment of the pagent vendors and it is still up in the air.

Orange County and L.A. county are very spread out and to get around you might want to rent a car. There are lots of things to do and see, but you didn't say what your interests are.

Have a great visit!!

Cathy

 

[jlmarr]

4. In Florida, we usually use Disney's Magical Express and don't use a rental car. The package we're looking at includes an Anaheim Shuttle, I presume to get back and forth between hotel and parks. Is a rental car suggested, or can we get from/to LAX using a shuttle, town car, or taxi?

5. Has anyone ever been to the Crystal Cathedral? We enjoy the Hour of Power, and thought it might be nice to go there for a Christmas service. If we don't go with a rental car, is it close enough to get to by cab?

"Anaheim Shuttle" sounds like ART (Anaheim Resort Transit).. ART Route #15 stops at the Crystal Cathedral. Here's a system map: http://www.rideart.org/index.php?loc=3

 

[Cagirl767]

I am originally from OC and when my family and I visit OC several times a year, we always have stayed on Harbor Blvd. I perfer the extended stay hotels such as Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and Embassy Suites. There is something in the area for every budget and taste. But yes, it being a busy time of year, you could encounter waits for the ART, but then again maybe not. If you're a walker, the walk from some may not be an issue.

The Crystal Cathedral would be a short cab ride from your Anaheim hotel. I used to attend services there and it is worth seeing.

 

[HydroGuy]

We're DVC members who have more WDW trips than we can count under our belts, but we've never been to Disneyland. We're planning a somewhat impromptu trip for this December, and need some help!

Two adults, one a school teacher, so we're locked into traveling during the school break. If we don't spend at least a few days of it in Pennsylvania for the holiday, we'll never hear the end of it from my mother. So, we're planning to drive from Norfolk area to Philly, and fly from/to there. We'll be in California from December 22-29.

My original planning had us in Anaheim that entire time. The other night, I was told, "I want to see California, not just Disneyland." So the planning just got a little more difficult.

Here are my questions:

1. Several friends and co-workers have told me Disneyland (both parks) can be done in three days. I was planning to spend 4 nights (Dec 22-26). Is this a good amount of time for a first visit? Any special considerations due to Christmas week crowds with this regard?

2. It's too late for us to use DVC points for our stay, so we'll be paying cash. There's a heck of a difference between the Disney resort prices and the good neighbor prices. I really like staying at Embassy Suites when I travel on business. There is a room available at Embassy Suites Anaheim South. The suite plus free breakfast sounds like a good deal, and is $1000 less than the cheapest Disney option. We could swing the extra $$$ to stay at Disney if there's a big difference, but wonder if it's necessary. What would we miss out on staying in a hotel that's a mile away? What might we regret?

3. Disneyland dining plan has me so confused. I know being on the WDW dining plan requires a lot of pre-planning and advanced reservations. Is the same true for Disneyland? I'm concerned about being a newbie and not knowing how to get the most out of the plan. I was thinking of the Goofy 3-day plan, but wonder if we'd be better off paying cash for meals.

4. In Florida, we usually use Disney's Magical Express and don't use a rental car. The package we're looking at includes an Anaheim Shuttle, I presume to get back and forth between hotel and parks. Is a rental car suggested, or can we get from/to LAX using a shuttle, town car, or taxi?

5. Has anyone ever been to the Crystal Cathedral? We enjoy the Hour of Power, and thought it might be nice to go there for a Christmas service. If we don't go with a rental car, is it close enough to get to by cab?

6. Where to in California after Disneyland? Such a big state, so little time! I guess LA and San Diego are closer, but San Francisco has more appeal to us. It's a pretty good jaunt away, though. Is it a scenic drive that would make it worthwhile? Any interesting places to stop along the way? Or is a flight from LAX to SFO the better alternative?

7. We're looking at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. It looks to be in the midst of the tourist areas, and has a good balance between cost and rating on hotels.com. Any better suggestions (part of town to stay in, or specific hotel) would be welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Three days is the minimum to have a solid visit. But four days will be better, especially over Christmas.

WDW vets are too quick, IMO, to give up the unique, huge advantage at DLR of the walking distance hotels. You can do Embassy Suites, but the walking distance hotels are better IMO. How about having a hotel where the door of your room is closer to the gates of the DLR parks than some of the bus or boat stops are at WDW to the park gates there?

See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 and "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Also see:

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

 

[snesguy]

I live in Northern California and have been to DL many times.

I agree, don't get the dining plan. I've actually never used it. If you want to eat at table service restaurants (of which there are few) and you can chose ahead of time when you are going to eat (tough) then you can go for dining reservations 60 days out. In Downtown Disney (next to the park) there are a few restaurants, I haven't tried them all, but the food at ESPN Zone (close to Downtown Disney Monorail) has been reasonable for me, much better than fast food at the parks.

I've stayed both on and off property. Off property is much cheaper. I have a teen and staying on property allows her to be more independent, which I like but since you aren't coming with kids it is not an issue for you.

What I would rank as the biggest benefit to staying on-property is that you get the benefit of early entry every day it's offered which currently I think is Tue,Thurs,Sat,Sun so for your dates (12/22-12/26) you would get 3 early entry days. Probably with your regular tickets you would get one early entry day anyway so that's a plus of 2 which may or may not make a difference to you. If you're not a morning person then yeah, stay off property and save. If you love getting up early anyway you can beat some crowds. Early entry has a limited set of rides open but after early entry you are positioned at the front of the crowds to get to your choice of rides and/or fastpasses.

You can see both parks in 3-4 days. Definitely plan to use the DL FASTPASS. For a short trip, you might consider signing up for RideMax to maximize your experience. They can help you create a touring plan. They also have good tips on how to see DL. Good info if you've never been.

I've never been to DL xmas week, but I've heard that some days it gets very busy (we're probably talking xmas day) and they close admission later in the day to new off-property guests, but on-property guests can always get in. So long as you don't arrive late in the day you will be fine.

I rent a car, but usually it ends up sitting in the lot most of the time. You could save some money by eating out off property, but it will cost you some time. I usually find a place to eat in Downtown Disney at the end of the day (ESPN Zone's food is pretty reasonable -- much better than park fast food, and much better than Rainforrest Cafe next door).

When seeing DCA don't miss the Aladdin show at the Hyperion theater (this and Soarin' over California are my favorites there).

If you decide to come up to SF you might want to also check out the Disney Family Museum there. I haven't been yet, but I've heard good things and I've been meaning to go.

 

[aristocat65]

What I would rank as the biggest benefit to staying on-property is that you get the benefit of early entry every day it's offered which currently I think is Tue,Thurs,Sat,Sun so for your dates (12/22-12/26) you would get 3 early entry days. Probably with your regular tickets you would get one early entry day anyway so that's a plus of 2 which may or may not make a difference to you. If you're not a morning person then yeah, stay off property and save. If you love getting up early anyway you can beat some crowds. Early entry has a limited set of rides open but after early entry you are positioned at the front of the crowds to get to your choice of rides and/or fastpasses.

Another thought to maximize you time is to stay on EST. Don't bother changing to Pacific time and you'll have a really easy time getting up to hit the early entry and park opening before all the crowds.

 

[Master Mason]

Here are my questions:

1. Several friends and co-workers have told me Disneyland (both parks) can be done in three days. I was planning to spend 4 nights (Dec 22-26). Is this a good amount of time for a first visit? Any special considerations due to Christmas week crowds with this regard?

2. It's too late for us to use DVC points for our stay, so we'll be paying cash. There's a heck of a difference between the Disney resort prices and the good neighbor prices. I really like staying at Embassy Suites when I travel on business. There is a room available at Embassy Suites Anaheim South. The suite plus free breakfast sounds like a good deal, and is $1000 less than the cheapest Disney option. We could swing the extra $$$ to stay at Disney if there's a big difference, but wonder if it's necessary. What would we miss out on staying in a hotel that's a mile away? What might we regret?

3. Disneyland dining plan has me so confused. I know being on the WDW dining plan requires a lot of pre-planning and advanced reservations. Is the same true for Disneyland? I'm concerned about being a newbie and not knowing how to get the most out of the plan. I was thinking of the Goofy 3-day plan, but wonder if we'd be better off paying cash for meals.

4. In Florida, we usually use Disney's Magical Express and don't use a rental car. The package we're looking at includes an Anaheim Shuttle, I presume to get back and forth between hotel and parks. Is a rental car suggested, or can we get from/to LAX using a shuttle, town car, or taxi?

5. Has anyone ever been to the Crystal Cathedral? We enjoy the Hour of Power, and thought it might be nice to go there for a Christmas service. If we don't go with a rental car, is it close enough to get to by cab?

6. Where to in California after Disneyland? Such a big state, so little time! I guess LA and San Diego are closer, but San Francisco has more appeal to us. It's a pretty good jaunt away, though. Is it a scenic drive that would make it worthwhile? Any interesting places to stop along the way? Or is a flight from LAX to SFO the better alternative?

7. We're looking at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. It looks to be in the midst of the tourist areas, and has a good balance between cost and rating on hotels.com. Any better suggestions (part of town to stay in, or specific hotel) would be welcome.

Thanks in advance!

1. You can do the parks fairly well in 3 days, if you get there early and take advantage of Fast Pass

2. I would save the money, I would also probably try and get closer as well. I have stayed places and used ART before, but I would rather be able to walk it.

3. Don't waste your money on the DL dinning plan

4. No expericence so I can't help you with this one

5. Never been, might try and check it out next trip. We will see

6. If your going to drive to SF and are looking for seanic, then you need to go up 101, and possibly even 1. I-5 is faster, but under no circumstances would it be concidered sceanic.

7. Never looked at Hotels in SF so can't help here either.

 

[mkarizona]

If you want to eat at Blue Bayou you need to call ahead for priority seating. A week or two in advance is more than enough time.

 

[tholczer]

I know the overwhelming majority is always for staying in the good neighbor hotels but I always vote for staying on property. I believe someone clocked it and the HoJo is the same distance to the front gate as the DLH. Plus you have the immersion, convenience (monorail, packages sent to room, etc.) and magic mornings. Maybe check out different combinations of room-only rates, adjust by one day and see what happens. I just read where someone saved $700 by booking an extra day on the front end of their vacation.

It's such an individual choice - I'd rather have less vacations but spend more on each than do a bunch of inexpensive things. Others will do the opposite. If you know you love the on-property experience, then it might be worth the extra. I know it would be for me.

San Francisco is a good plan if you've never been and want the urban/tourist experience. The drive is beautiful, but will take up to ten hours if you take the 101. When recommending places to visit in CA, I usually go more for Big Sur, a small northern california beach town near Monterey. Hiking, investigating caves and lighthouses, whale watching, etc. So again, it depends on what you want to do. Don't know how old your kids are, but when my kids were 10 and 7, we stayed at the Big Sur Lodge (same time of year when you're going). No TV's, some have kitchens, all have fireplaces with logs provided. We saw Hearst Castle on the way down and on our hike, we saw the elusive California Condor. Then we came back to the cabin and read by the fire. The kids still talk about it and they are 17 and 14.

You could always drive into SF for the day from Big Sur. It's a three hour drive, though.

Just some thoughts...

Tracy

 

[TLuvsD]

Keep in mind that SF is a loongg drive...I'd say 10 hours is a minium, if there is fog/rain it will be longer. Check out flights, it's a short hop (more time in airport security than on the plane), but it might be more time effective, especially if you can fly from SF to your home without huge additional charges. Keep in mind the weather is very different, so pack layers. San Diego is about 2 hours away (driving). It just depends on what you want to visit and how much time you want to spend in CA.

We really enjoyed the Holiday Inn at the Wharf in SF. Great location, nice hotel. It isn't fancy, but really clean and pleasant. The location was perfect...a couple of blocks from the trolleys, on the corner for the electric buses (I forget what they are called). It worked well for us. Oh--keep in mind that hotels in SF charge for parking, so figure that in when deciding to drive/fly.

 

[CADisneyMom]

Keep in mind that SF is a loongg drive...I'd say 10 hours is a minium, if there is fog/rain it will be longer. Check out flights, it's a short hop (more time in airport security than on the plane), but it might be more time effective, especially if you can fly from SF to your home without huge additional charges. Keep in mind the weather is very different, so pack layers. San Diego is about 2 hours away (driving). It just depends on what you want to visit and how much time you want to spend in CA.

I live in NorCal (just south of SF) and I can usually make the trip in about 6 hours on I-5. Just take the I-5 up, cross over at 152 and then up the 101 to SF (or you can cross over at 85 to 280).

Weather does vary alot out here, you can have a really sunny nice day one day and then the next it's very foggy, so layers are always good. You can get all around SF by cable car, street car, bus or BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). If you need to rent a car you can always just rent one for a day at the Wharf.

 

[disney4metoo]

Here are my questions:

1. Several friends and co-workers have told me Disneyland (both parks) can be done in three days. I was planning to spend 4 nights (Dec 22-26). Is this a good amount of time for a first visit? Any special considerations due to Christmas week crowds with this regard?

I think four to five nights is adequate for your first visit to DLR. We have been to DL several times over the years right before Christmas and after Christmas. It is a very popular and crowded time of year, especially after Christmas. One year on Christmas Eve, we had a very light day, and Christmas Day towards the afternoon was pretty crowded. The 26th will also be very crowded because many families come right after Christmas

2. It's too late for us to use DVC points for our stay, so we'll be paying cash. There's a heck of a difference between the Disney resort prices and the good neighbor prices. I really like staying at Embassy Suites when I travel on business. There is a room available at Embassy Suites Anaheim South. The suite plus free breakfast sounds like a good deal, and is $1000 less than the cheapest Disney option. We could swing the extra $$$ to stay at Disney if there's a big difference, but wonder if it's necessary. What would we miss out on staying in a hotel that's a mile away? What might we regret?

Before we used to stay on-site, we used to stay at the Embassy Suites South on Harbor Ave, and loved it. Just two weeks ago I could not find any cash or points room on-site and we had to stay off-site at the Embassy. We took the ART into DLR and it worked out fine. It cost $3.00-$4.00 per person/day for adults. Parking is $6.00 per night at the Embassy. If you are Platinum or Gold Hilton Honors member wireless Internet net is free. If not it is $10-12 per computer per night. However, the business center has four computers which are hooked up to the Internet and they are free to use.

You will most likely be in command mode and not really hanging out at the hotel so the Embassy or HoJo will be fine. I like the Embassy South for their great Omelets made by the cook Teo. He is awesome, and you will be full all day eating their humongous Omelets.
I have to be honest with you, and I know for many people it does not matter off-site/on-site but for me it does matter. Staying at the Grand Californian, or at the Disneyland Hotel as a second choice, just gives you that Disney immersion. It is all about the Hotel for us, we like the views, we like the atmosphere, the amenities, and after our last visit even though the Embassy was a fine hotel, it is not worth going to DLR without staying on-site. But keep in mind we have been to DLR 4-6 times a year for many years and hang out at the hotel a great deal.

If you can get a good rate at the Grand Californian, I would definitely stay there. It is beautiful at Christmas! In fact I would even suggest concierge at the Grand at Christmas depending on price-the carolers come in and sing, hot apple cider, it is lovely and very nice. We have been in concierge during the Christmas time in December for the last few years and love it ( but we used points.) However, you will need to decide what is important to you and cost factor.

HoJo is right across the street from DLR and you can walk to DLR. The rooms are nice and very clean, customer service is great and so are the beds. They will give you a discount if you mention the Disboards. They also have free Wifi in the rooms.
3. Disneyland dining plan has me so confused. I know being on the WDW dining plan requires a lot of pre-planning and advanced reservations. Is the same true for Disneyland? I'm concerned about being a newbie and not knowing how to get the most out of the plan. I was thinking of the Goofy 3-day plan, but wonder if we'd be better off paying cash for meals.

Do not do the Dining Plan; you can do so much better on your own. It is not like WDW.

4. In Florida, we usually use Disney's Magical Express and don't use a rental car. The package we're looking at includes an Anaheim Shuttle, I presume to get back and forth between hotel and parks. Is a rental car suggested, or can we get from/to LAX using a shuttle, town car, or taxi?

I would also check out flights into The John Wayne Airport. It is much close than LAX. Once we get to the Grand Californian we do not use our car. But if you are staying somewhere else or traveling around it is best to rent a car.
5. Has anyone ever been to the Crystal Cathedral? We enjoy the Hour of Power, and thought it might be nice to go there for a Christmas service. If we don't go with a rental car, is it close enough to get to by cab?

Yes, we have been to the Crystal Cathedral and it is very close. If you do stay at the Embassy you can ask for a view of the Crystal Cathedral.
6. Where to in California after Disneyland? Such a big state, so little time! I guess LA and San Diego are closer, but San Francisco has more appeal to us. It's a pretty good jaunt away, though. Is it a scenic drive that would make it worthwhile? Any interesting places to stop along the way? Or is a flight from LAX to SFO the better alternative?

It is easier to fly-check out Southwest fares. We have been traveling I-5 all these years which will take you 6-7 hours (no traffic) to San Fransisco. However, we now take 101 through Santa Barbara because DS goes to college there. I love the drive on 101, but it will take you longer than I-5, but it is a very scenic drive by the coast. It takes us between 8-9 hours to go 101 to the Bay Area. Approximately two hours more than I-5 route.
7. We're looking at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. It looks to be in the midst of the tourist areas, and has a good balance between cost and rating on hotels.com. Any better suggestions (part of town to stay in, or specific hotel) would be welcome.

Since we live so close we have never stayed in S.F. except for the Fairmont. Sorry, but I am sure others will chime in!

Many others have given great information! Good luck!

 

[tinkermell]

Hi there! Welcome to the DL DIS!

My 2 cents.

Stay within walking distance if possible. Like others have said, it will get busy, and having the convenience of walking back and forth would be so worth it. I would stay onsite if I were you. The Grand is absolutely "Grand" during the holidays! Love, love the lobby, and the Dickens Carolers! The location can not be beat! If not, then my other choices would be the Park Place Inn, Tropicana or Hojos, which are right across the street from DL.

I would give the parks 4 days if I were you. Lots to do and see in just the 2 parks!

Drive to San Francisco if you can. The scenery is fantastic along the coast line. Take your time on the way up, if you can. Lots and lots of things to see. (Check out some of the West Coast threads for more info.) Frisco is so fun during the holidays too. A picture perfect postcard around the Union Square area. HUGE Christmas tree in the center, with shopping galore to boot if you like that sort of stuff. If you are interested, there is usually a good musical showing. I've seen "White Christmas" and "Wicked" while there in December.

While at DL, find out what restaurants will be serving a special holiday meal for Christmas. I've always wanted to try that out.

Oh, and you really need to read Hydroguy's stickeys!! A must for any WDW vet coming to DL for the first time!

 

[Hound 109]

Posted by Hydroguy :

Three days is the minimum to have a solid visit. But four days will be better, especially over Christmas.

WDW vets are too quick, IMO, to give up the unique, huge advantage at DLR of the walking distance hotels. You can do Embassy Suites, but the walking distance hotels are better IMO. How about having a hotel where the door of your room is closer to the gates of the DLR parks than some of the bus or boat stops are at WDW to the park gates there?

See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 and

"Airport Proximity to DLR ..." by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

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

Hi there! Welcome to the DL DIS!

My 2 cents.

Stay within walking distance if possible. Like others have said, it will get busy, and having the convenience of walking back and forth would be so worth it. I would stay onsite if I were you. The Grand is absolutely "Grand" during the holidays! Love, love the lobby, and the Dickens Carolers! The location can not be beat! If not, then my other choices would be the Park Place Inn, Tropicana or Hojos, which are right across the street from DL.

I would give the parks 4 days if I were you. Lots to do and see in just the 2 parks!

Drive to San Francisco if you can. The scenery is fantastic along the coast line. Take your time on the way up, if you can. Lots and lots of things to see. (Check out some of the West Coast threads for more info.) ........

Oh, and you really need to read Hydroguy's stickeys!! A must for any WDW vet coming to DL for the first time!

I agree with Tinkermel & Hydroguy.

Stay on site if money is no object.....if not, stay within walking distance for all the reasons mentioned in the links in Hydroguy's post above.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.