Never been to DLR, VGC question

[WonderinAland]

I am now finally trying to plan a trip to CA with young kids, to see where it all started. Thinking of next summer (2011), early June, would have to book at 7 month window. Youngest will be 3 1/2 at the time. Too early for a cross-country flight? Wouldn't consider it when the boys were younger, but she's more easily contained!

Also, how long to go for? How long to really see both parks, and relax, too? And would it be better to fly in on Saturday or Sunday? And, we would definitely have to go to LEGOLand while there, for my Lego-obsessed 8 year-old. Has anyone been there? One or 2 days? Could we stay at VGC and drive to LEGOLand? I'm a bit afraid of SoCal traffic! Best days to go there?

TIA for the help/advice... I so need it!

 

[Elise79]

I can't help with your SoCal questions but just wanted to say we have done transatlantic flights (9hrs) with our DD twice - once at 9mths and again at 15mths so I wouldn't consider 3 1/2 too young!

 

[bumbershoot]

I might not be the best to ask, but we've recently realized, after two years of having APs at DLR and taking MANY trips, that we don't want to be at DLR unless we have *at least* 5 full days there. And that's despite knowing the parks very well.

Obviously 1-2 days sounds way too short. Even my 5 year old says so. We run him too ragged on the shorter stays; he's requested quite nicely that we only go for longer trips, b/c we can take it slower.


Legoland is well north of San Diego, and so would probably be 1.5 hours away from DLR. I've read that there's a train station in Carlsbad, so if you could take a taxi from the Amtrak station to L'Land that might be an option. Or go on one of the bus "tours", like through Grayline tours.

Or rent a car and just make sure to hit the road early early early enough to miss commuting traffic.

For other info about DLR, drop by the DLR forum here on the dis!

 

[SSRJen]

If you want to do both parks and really relax while doing them, I suggest 4 days on your first visit. June is a busy time for the parks (especially late June), so this will allow you to see everything without being rushed.

Legoland can be done in one day. I suggest getting there are opening and doing the large attractions first. You might want to consider a second day if doing the Aquarium as well.

 

[ACDSNY]

I agree with the others on 4-5 days to do both parks with young kids. The drive to San Diego really isn't that bad so you can stay at VGC and drive to LegoLand. We usually go in the Fall so I prefer to check in on Sunday, I'm not sure it would matter which day too much in June. I'd go with whatever is cheaper for flights. Happy Planning.

 

[robertdangelo]

We traveled from Buffalo to San Diego with our daughter last Summer, she was 14 months. She was fine on the plane. We spent 2 days at DLR and now wish we had planned more time. We visited the San Diego zoo and Sea World as well. It was my 1st trip out west. The Fantasyland at DL is great for young ones! Many attractions not duplicated at WDW, such as "Casey Jr's Circus Train". Our Daughter loved it. Riding Mr. Toad's wild ride brought back memories for me too.

 

[WonderinAland]

Thank you all for your advice! I was thinking 4-5 days for DLR, and 1-2 for Legoland, so it's nice to know I was headed in the right direction. And we flew to San Fran with our oldest when he was 10 months old, but he was the only one then. Now we're out-numbered! I'll have to think about that flight...

How about booking VGC, 1 bedroom, at the 7-month window for the summer? I realize that this is new and people are just beginning to be able to book it, but what has the experience been?

Thanks again!

 

[Quilter007]

Legoland is 1 hour from VGC & you only need 1 day for Legoland. OK -- we only need 1 day for Legoland and I have 2 boys 6 & 9 now -- 5 and 8 when we went the last time. A good way to get a break on Legoland tickets is to buy the Brickmaster subscription -- it includes a free ticket to Legoland, use that for one adult. Buy enough Brickmaster subscriptions for people in your family so that you get all the adult tickets, then you only have to buy child admission tickets. The Brickmast subscriptions include 6 magazines (every other month) & small mini-kits.

I think 3 - 4 days in the parks for the Disneyland Resort to do/see everything. However, as DCA has more stuff coming on-line & becomes more crowded, I reserve the right to modify. You should spend some time in the Disneyland threads. You should specifically look for Hydroguy's tips for WDW folks going to DL for the first time. There is also an especially hilarious thread comparing the castles. Some people try to do DL in a day & get vey stressed. It can be done, if you don't have kids, if it is a week-day, with low crowds & everything is perfect. Then you need another day for DCA, same conditions -- what are the chance of that happening?!?

 

[jelwallace]

I booked a 1 bedroom at VGC for the end of June 2010 at the 7 month mark with no problem. However it is a very small DVC resort so I think as it becomes more sold out it will be harder to book at the 7 month mark especially once they start selling/marketing DVC Hawaii to the west coast. My advice is to try the VGC as soon as possible.

As far as traveling long distances with small children the trick is to be prepared. I have travelled around the world (to China and back) twice with my girls and they have done great. I always have little suprises and treats in my bag that I pull out when needed. I think exposing young children to traveling is the way to make them really good travelers when they are older.

 

[thelionqueen]

I am of the belief that if you traveling there anyway, stay an extra day or two to really relax and enjoy everything DLR has to offer.

I went to DL all summer long as a child, and can say that I've been to DL EASILY over 200 times, and GCA probably about 25-30. I'm only saying that to let you know that I know DLR like the back of my hand (literally) and we always stay at least 6 days. We like to hang out at the pool, go to the beach (only about 20 mins away) and dine outside of DLR while we are there, so we figure a day or 2 for that.

During the summer, the parks are going to be packed and hot, so I would definitely account for more pool time and "away from park" time as well.

I absolutely LOVE DLR and you will have a great time! I just say stay an extra day or two and then you don't have to worry if you have enough time to do what you want to do. But then again, everyone think's I'm crazy