Never Been - Need Help

[PamNC]

Hi all - I'm a WDW FL regular but hubby and I are considering going to CA and visiting Disneyland and California Adventure as well as some other CA stuff.

Don't know where to start so I'll spout out questions.

1) are there codes and special packages like the FL property?

2) which of the 3 resorts is your favorite and why?

3) how many days would we need to see it all?

Thank you - I'm sorry to ask so many questions. But I'm a dummy here.

PamNC

 

[goofyfordisney]

Well, since you haven't gotten any response...I'll try to help you out alittle!

We try to go to DL at least once a year. We just started staying on-site our last couple of visits. There are alot of choices of off-site hotels/motels that are within walking distance--unlike WDW. You should read over some of the old posts for more info.

We were really interested in the Grand Californian when it opened--we paid close to rack rate (we didn't know about these boards! Now we know better! It's a nice resort--I guess it's really similiar to the WL (although I've never been to WL) but on alot smaller scale. It was nice having a private entrance to DCA. We had a room with one queen bed and bunk beds. Our room overlooked the pool and we could see DCA from our balcony. The room seemed kind of small to me. It was brand new so it was nice.

We liked GCH alot until we stayed at DLH in the Sierra Tower. At DLH last June we got a great rate ($99.00 per night!) and our room was much larger. We had 2 queen beds and a day bed. There is no balcony, but a sliding door that opens with a railing so you can't fall out! I think we were on the 5th or 6th floor. We had a view of DTD and could see DCA in the distance. I believe the other side of the building is a view of the Neverland pool area.
The room was recently refurbished. New carpet, nice comfy beds, etc. It was a nice walk thru DTD every morning to get to DL (about 5 min.)

I look forward to going back to either of these resorts--not at rack rate though! We haven't tried PPH yet.

You should check www.mousesavers.com for current specials. I know there is a promo for free nights with extended park hopper days. You can also check www.getawaytoday.org for some other pricing.

As far as seeing it all--It's never enough time for me! I would say, give yourself at least 4 full days!

Hope I helped some!
Have fun planning your trip--you will love DL and DCA!

 

[daannzzz]

There are sometimes codes on mousesavers but nearly as much as at WDW. There are sometimes packages as well but they are not as good of a savings either. I almost alway book my componants myself.

Disney's Grand Californian is a great resort. It was designed by the architect who did the Wilderness Lodeg and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. While I don't find the exterior as beautiful I do love the interior. It is located in the middle of everything and is part of Downtown Disney and on side of the hotel is in the new California Adventure park. Our room was a less expensive so we had a view of the monorail courtyard. The monorail doesn't stop at this hotel. The rooms are the same size as WL and AKL. Access to the parks is better than anything at WDW. From our room to California Adventure was 1 to 1 1/2 minutes!!! Disneyland was a 5 minute walk. Room decore is somewhat woody and very nice.
The Disneyland Hotel is 3 older rather bland towers. The rooms are awesome though.The size of the rooms in the Sierra Tower and Bonita Tower are on par with the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary. The decor is similar to the Grand Floridian but not quite so formally Victorian. There are lots of fun Disney touches in these rooms with border paper that has glow in the dark Pixie Dust and bead spreads with sepia drawings of the rides at Disneyland. The grounds are extensive and beautiful and there is the Neverland Pool area which is fun. Lots of restaurants to pick from here.
The Paradise Pier Hotel is a somewhat bland (though better looking than the DLH) tower as well. The rooms are decent size and are a more modern/comtenporary Mickey decore. There are virtually no grounds to this hotel. It is comfortable and service is good but the public areas inside are no big deal and not very extensive. The best part of this place is the themepark view side of the building. There are spectacular views of DCA here.
To see everything at Disneyland and DCA and not have to do a comando style and be able to enjoy downtown Disney and relax at the hotel you will need 3-4 days...at least.

 

[PamNC]

Thanks for the replies. Good idea - I'll check mousesavers.com

I'm thinking about Disneyland Hotel since it was the first one..nostalgia and all.

Maybe I'll call AAA and see about a package.

PamNC