New to Disneyland-advice?

[PDettorre]

My husband and I have been to Disney World more times then we could count, but recently we have been discussing trying Disneyland. We aren't really sure where to even start though. We could plan a Disney World vacation with our eyes closed, but not some much with Disneyland. So, hoping you guys could help answer some questions!

1. Does Disneyland offer transportation like Disney world? Is there free transportation to and from the airport and to and from the parks from the hotel?

2. Is it worth it to stay at the Disney hotels or is it more cost efficient to stay off site?

3. How many days do you need in each of the two parks? It would just be myself and my husband, we don't have kids.

4. How would you compare Disney Land to Disney world? Is it worth making the trip (it would be a roughly 6 hour flight). What are some of the major difference?

5. When is the best time of year to go?

Thanks guys. Really hoping to try our Disneyland in 2019!

 

[BadPinkTink]

1. Does Disneyland offer transportation like Disney world?

No, all the transport options are independent companys

Is there free transportation to and from the airport

No,
https://dre.coachusa.com/ - "Disney Express" is $48 per adult round trip from LAX
I use www.supershuttle.com which is approx $30 per adult round trip
There are other transport options, other shared ride company's, town car company's, or you can rent a car

and to and from the parks from the hotel?

There are only 3 Disney hotel and all 3 are walkable to the parks. Disneyland Hotel is at the end of Downtown Disney, Grand California is actually IN Downtown Disney. The third hotel Pardise Pier is a little further away from Downtown Disney but still walkable

Offisite, there are plenty of hotels and motels less than 20 minutes walk to the Disney Security check, many hotels have a free shuttle bus and those that dont are on the local Anaheim bus routes which start and end their routes at Disney

2. Is it worth it to stay at the Disney hotels or is it more cost efficient to stay off site?

Most people stay offsite, as many of the offsite places have a shorter walk to security check than the Disney hotels. Also 3 day tickets give early access on one day to the Main Park, so the Disney perks are less than at WDW.

3. How many days do you need in each of the two parks? It would just be myself and my husband, we don't have kids.

Most people will recommend 4 days. I usually do 3 days. In the past I have done 2 days. Disneyland California is more like 1 big park, and park hopping multiple times a day is very normal. Take a look at Google Maps. Depending on crowds, in theory it is possible to get from Indiana Jones in Adventure Land to Carsland in California Adventures in 30 minutes, depending on how fast you walk.

4. How would you compare Disney Land to Disney world? Is it worth making the trip (it would be a roughly 6 hour flight). What are some of the major difference?

1. Smaller and more compact
2. more locals than tourists
3. Different versions of rides and attractions
4. Unique rides and attractions
5. more laid back touring style
6. ADR far less stressful, only opens for everyone at 60 days
7. No magic bands or Fastpass plus
8. Fast pass can only be obtained on the day once you have entered the parks

5. When is the best time of year to go?

Whenever is the best time for you, there is no real low season

Finally, it is expected that Star Wars Galaxy Edge will open sometime in the summer, most likely June or July. It is expected that crowds will be high once the official opening date is announced. Many of us who regularly go to Disneyland California in June and July have already started booking our hotels.

 

[tarheelalum]

I agree with PinkTink. The California Grand and the Disneyland Hotel are very nice but you will pay double or triple per night for them in comparison to the local hotels within a 10 or 15 minute easy walk. Unless you get a crazy deal, which are very difficult to find, they are not worth it in my experience but ymmv. And don't waste your time trying to figure out when its not busy. The crowd predictors are worthless. Its ALWAYS busy at Disneyland but sometimes its more busy than others. But even during times when fewer people may go, Disney will reduce staffing so lines will often be worse than during periods when its very busy. Disneyland pretty much only has shows (fantastmic, etc) and fireworks on the weekends now so if that matters to you, book accordingly. The crowds just before and after star wars land opens will probably be very, very bad so unless you LOVE Star Wars stuff I'd stay away. And you must buy park hoppers at Disneyland and I strongly urge you to buy max pass. Both will make your visit much more enjoyable and less stressful. Have a great trip !!

 

[PDettorre]

No, all the transport options are independent companys


No,
https://dre.coachusa.com/ - "Disney Express" is $48 per adult round trip from LAX
I use www.supershuttle.com which is approx $30 per adult round trip
There are other transport options, other shared ride company's, town car company's, or you can rent a car


There are only 3 Disney hotel and all 3 are walkable to the parks. Disneyland Hotel is at the end of Downtown Disney, Grand California is actually IN Downtown Disney. The third hotel Pardise Pier is a little further away from Downtown Disney but still walkable

Offisite, there are plenty of hotels and motels less than 20 minutes walk to the Disney Security check, many hotels have a free shuttle bus and those that dont are on the local Anaheim bus routes which start and end their routes at Disney


Most people stay offsite, as many of the offsite places have a shorter walk to security check than the Disney hotels. Also 3 day tickets give early access on one day to the Main Park, so the Disney perks are less than at WDW.


Most people will recommend 4 days. I usually do 3 days. In the past I have done 2 days. Disneyland California is more like 1 big park, and park hopping multiple times a day is very normal. Take a look at Google Maps. Depending on crowds, in theory it is possible to get from Indiana Jones in Adventure Land to Carsland in California Adventures in 30 minutes, depending on how fast you walk.

1. Smaller and more compact
2. more locals than tourists
3. Different versions of rides and attractions
4. Unique rides and attractions
5. more laid back touring style
6. ADR far less stressful, only opens for everyone at 60 days
7. No magic bands or Fastpass plus
8. Fast pass can only be obtained on the day once you have entered the parks

Whenever is the best time for you, there is no real low season

Finally, it is expected that Star Wars Galaxy Edge will open sometime in the summer, most likely June or July. It is expected that crowds will be high once the official opening date is announced. Many of us who regularly go to Disneyland California in June and July have already started booking our hotels.

Thank you for all this information! What's the food situation like? Do they have lots of quick service places? And so they offer any type of dining plan?

 

[PDettorre]

I agree with PinkTink. The California Grand and the Disneyland Hotel are very nice but you will pay double or triple per night for them in comparison to the local hotels within a 10 or 15 minute easy walk. Unless you get a crazy deal, which are very difficult to find, they are not worth it in my experience but ymmv. And don't waste your time trying to figure out when its not busy. The crowd predictors are worthless. Its ALWAYS busy at Disneyland but sometimes its more busy than others. But even during times when fewer people may go, Disney will reduce staffing so lines will often be worse than during periods when its very busy. Disneyland pretty much only has shows (fantastmic, etc) and fireworks on the weekends now so if that matters to you, book accordingly. The crowds just before and after star wars land opens will probably be very, very bad so unless you LOVE Star Wars stuff I'd stay away. And you must buy park hoppers at Disneyland and I strongly urge you to buy max pass. Both will make your visit much more enjoyable and less stressful. Have a great trip !!

Thank you for the advice! Do you mind explaining max pass?

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Thank you for all this information! What's the food situation like? Do they have lots of quick service places? And so they offer any type of dining plan?

No dining plan but lots of quick service that are in my opinion MUCH better than WDW quick service.

 

[BadPinkTink]

What's the food situation like? Do they have lots of quick service places? And so they offer any type of dining plan?

Food situation is different to WDW. Other WDW vets have said that the quick service is better in Disneyland than WDW. There is not as much dining experiences.

The main dining packages are for Fantasmic in the main park.

There are great table services for all budget levels. My go to restaurant is Blue Bayou. Check out the restaurant and dining page on Disneyland official websiite.

There are no meal plans as far as I know

Thank you for the advice! Do you mind explaining max pass?

Max Pass is a digital paid for fastpass service. At the moment it costs $10 per person and includes photo pass.

1. Download the Disneyland App to your phone
2. Buy your ticket to Disneyland
3. Link your ticket to the App
4. Put your credit card details onto the App
5. Go to Disneyland
6. Enter the park and have your ticket scanned by a CM
7. Open the App on your phone
8. Buy Maxpass for 1 or more tickets, depending on how many are in your party

You can now get Fastpass on your phone. You will need to have the Fastpass open on your phone and scan your phone as you enter the ride at the Fastpass entrance

1. You can only hold 1 Fastpass for a ride at a time
2. You can get a new Fastpass once you use the current Fastpass OR 90 minutes after obtaining the current Fastpass, whichever is soonest
3. You can get Fastpass via Maxpass for rides in either park at any location. For example, you could be in Fantasyland, open the App, and get a Fastpass for Radiator Springs in California Adventures.
4. If a ride goes down and you can not use your allocated Fastpass, you will get an anytime Fastpass
5. You can also cancel a Fastpass

 

[starry_solo]

Thank you for the advice! Do you mind explaining max pass?

Max pass is the electronic version of Fast Pass. So instead of walking to all the FP booths to scan the ticket to get a FP, you just line them up in your app. You can only get 1 at a time, but once an hour passes (or the window opens up, whichever is earlier), you can book another FP. You can get as many FPs as there are available, one right after the other.

 

[tarheelalum]

Thank you for the advice! Do you mind explaining max pass?

At Disneyland everyone can get a fast pass for a ride after they are in the park. No pre planning fast passes like at Disney world is allowed. You can get another and another after you use them (if they are still available) (the fast passes are available at kiosks, usually near the rides) or after a certain amount of time has passed even if you have not used the fast pass. But you have to physically go get them and often that involves a long and/or very time consuming walk. If a parade or fireworks or Fantasmic is going on that can be a big problem. And obviously you cannot get a fast pass if you are some place other than the park.

But with Max Pass its all made much easier. The moment you scan your ticket/pass into either park you can book a fast pass. For any ride in California Adventure or Disneyland. So lets say you book a fast pass for you and a friend, (both on your phone if you want) when your time slot is available, as soon as you scan your phone in at the attraction, you can immediately book another any where in either park on your phone. There is no set amount of fast passes you can get at Disneyland/DCA. You can get as many as are available. Also if you leave the park and go somewhere to eat lunch down the road, you can still keep booking fast passes on your phone. Max Pass is like air conditioning or a cell phone. Once you experience it, you will never go back to regular fast passes.

Check out this video that shows the nuts and bolts of it.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

At Disneyland everyone can get a fast pass for a ride after they are in the park. No pre planning fast passes like at Disney world is allowed. You can get another and another after you use them (if they are still available) (the fast passes are available at kiosks, usually near the rides) or after a certain amount of time has passed even if you have not used the fast pass. But you have to physically go get them and often that involves a long and/or very time consuming walk. If a parade or fireworks or Fantasmic is going on that can be a big problem. And obviously you cannot get a fast pass if you are some place other than the park.

But with Max Pass its all made much easier. The moment you scan your ticket/pass into either park you can book a fast pass. For any ride in California Adventure or Disneyland. So lets say you book a fast pass for you and a friend, (both on your phone if you want) when your time slot is available, as soon as you scan your phone in at the attraction, you can immediately book another any where in either park on your phone. There is no set amount of fast passes you can get at Disneyland/DCA. You can get as many as are available. Also if you leave the park and go somewhere to eat lunch down the road, you can still keep booking fast passes on your phone. Max Pass is like air conditioning or a cell phone. Once you experience it, you will never go back to regular fast passes.

Check out this video that shows the nuts and bolts of it.

Actually you don’t even have to use your last FP to get a new one. You just have to wait 90 minutes or for your next FP window to open and you can collect another FP. This allows you to stack them throughout the day. The only time you have to redeem a FP in order to collect a new one is if you want that same ride again.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Hotel thread https://www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-dlr-area-hotel-for-you.3656512/


DLr guide for those familiar with wdw. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DisMommyTX]

We love both WDW and DL, but they are different trips. For us, WDW is best as a 5-9 day trip (which we have done many, many times), while DL takes only 3-4 days. Going back and forth between the parks in California is like walking between Future World and the countries at Epcot. DL is more compact than MK, but has many of our favorite attractions. California Adventure has a few more unique offerings and lots of atmosphere. We definitely consider WDW home, but just got back from a wonderful trip to Disneyland. It is absolutely worth a visit!

 

[HydroGuy]

4. How would you compare Disney Land to Disney world? Is it worth making the trip (it would be a roughly 6 hour flight). What are some of the major difference?

I think you need to be more careful about your choices for DLR. Time of year can work for you or against you at DLR especially a first timer like you. See the link I give below of when to visit.

I would say DLR is worth making the trip for someone who is a Disney lover at heart and wants to branch out. It can be a real negative though for someone who thinks WDW is perfect in every way and secretly wants DLR to be just like WDW but also somehow "different".

An open mind is always real helpful, and a willingness to embrace differences rather than criticize them.

DLR really excels in its night time spectaculars, LOL especially when they are working (unlike World of Color which is broken right now - long story). WOC, Fantasmic and Paint the Night parade (when it is running - the best Disney parade ever IMO). What that means is you need to give yourself more evenings at DLR than you might at WDW.

I love both DLR and WDW and embrace the special things about each resort when I am at the resort. DLR will surprise and delight you if you let it. It is really magical, more so than WDW in some ways, not in others.

5. When is the best time of year to go?

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

 

[nkereina]

I use www.supershuttle.com which is approx $30 per adult round trip

Do you use this from LAX? And is it a shared shuttle? If yes, about how long does it take you to get to your hotel once you're picked up?

 

[BrianL]

4. How would you compare Disney Land to Disney world? Is it worth making the trip (it would be a roughly 6 hour flight). What are some of the major difference?

Other's have covered most of the logistical questions, but this is one I feel I can add some information to since I love comparing and contrasting the parks.

If you are a Disney lover then DLR is definitely worth a visit. It is a bit different though and may appear to be a little less grand than WDW. The castle is a bit quaint, however, when you see DLR as a whole, you may find that it outshines WDW in many ways. It is smaller, so it may feel more crowded, but keep in mind that they have almost the same number of attractions in two parks as WDW has in four. There is plenty to do, and with a PArk Hopper, you can treat both DL and CA as one big park!

I think DLR is superior to WDW in certain ways, while WDW is better in others. DLR definitely has better food and better shows. If you like shows, DLR is a place for you, including the Frozen Musical and Mickey and the Magical Map. I have always found the fireworks to be better at DLR, though they are changing shows so I don't know how the new one will be. If World of Color comes back, it's a can't miss! I think the food is much better too, especially counter service, though I think the food is SoCal is just better than Florida in general (see also In 'n' Out). Get a churro! If you think the WDW ones are underwhelming, well, DL will show you how it's done! COnversely, I do think WDW does have friendlier cast members and does better with cleanliness. It's not a huge difference, but DLR gets a lot of locals and there is a bit of an expectation that you "know what you're doing" so to speak, so I think the CMs are just a bit less helpful. Just my feeling though.

For the rides, while it may seem like there is a lot of overlap, keep in mind that there are many differences between the rides with counterparts, some subtle and some major. POTC for example is almost twice as long and tells a much clearer story at DLR. Space Mountain is a completely different ride, though you may find that the Matterhorn reminds you of Space Mountain at MK (they are built on the same technology). Haunted Mansion is shorter, but has the wonderful Hatbox Ghost, who is my favorite thing ever. Then of course, there is the unique stuff, like Cars Land, the newly rethemed Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout (Tower of Terror), not to mention all of the classic Fantasyland dark rides that MK no longer has (Mr. Toad!).

Anyway, I'd suspect that any Disney fan would have a lot of fun at DLR. Yeah, it may take you a bit longer to get there, and airport transportation is a pain, but once there, while Anaheim isn't quite the "Disney Bubble" that WDW is, you'll find it super convenient,

 

[mom2rtk]

Do you use this from LAX? And is it a shared shuttle? If yes, about how long does it take you to get to your hotel once you're picked up?

We have used Super Shuttle from LAX a number of times. They offer various forms of transport. I just booked it yesterday for a flight today. What I booked is a shared van ride and it was $19/person (one way). I think it takes about an hour. But you have to circle the airport filling the van from various spots before you leave.

 

[BrianL]

We have used Super Shuttle from LAX a number of times. They offer various forms of transport. I just booked it yesterday for a flight today. What I booked is a shared van ride and it was $19/person (one way). I think it takes about an hour. But you have to circle the airport filling the van from various spots before you leave.

I have used Super Shuttle at LAX before and I was generally pleased with how long it took. I only ever had to make one loop at LAX, though I was the first pickup coming in on Southwest. I will say that the first time I used them went amazingly well, and I love the app where you can track your van. My second go was a bit rougher, with a van that was dirty and had mechanical issues (we made it but barely). The return van was very nice, but they messed up my flight time resulting in a very early trip back to LAX. Overall though, I'd probably use them again. You can't beat the price that's for sure, and I think most of the time it'll be just fine.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have used Super Shuttle at LAX before and I was generally pleased with how long it took. I only ever had to make one loop at LAX, though I was the first pickup coming in on Southwest. I will say that the first time I used them went amazingly well, and I love the app where you can track your van. My second go was a bit rougher, with a van that was dirty and had mechanical issues (we made it but barely). The return van was very nice, but they messed up my flight time resulting in a very early trip back to LAX. Overall though, I'd probably use them again. You can't beat the price that's for sure, and I think most of the time it'll be just fine.

I have had no complaints either. Thanks for reminding me to add the app to my phone before heading out! We have never used them for the return trip since we always fly back out of SNA. For that we use one of the flat rate taxi vouchers.

 

[HydroGuy]

DLR really excels in its night time spectaculars, LOL especially when they are working (unlike World of Color which is broken right now - long story). WOC, Fantasmic and Paint the Night parade (when it is running - the best Disney parade ever IMO). What that means is you need to give yourself more evenings at DLR than you might at WDW.

I think DLR is superior to WDW in certain ways, while WDW is better in others. DLR definitely has better food and better shows. If you like shows, DLR is a place for you, including the Frozen Musical and Mickey and the Magical Map.

I totally forgot about Frozen at DCA, but @BrianL is spot on here. Frozen outshines any show at WDW, even my beloved FOTLK. I am bit more meh about MMM, but it is a nice show but nothing super special over WDW IMO.

 

[BrianL]

I totally forgot about Frozen at DCA, but @BrianL is spot on here. Frozen outshines any show at WDW, even my beloved FOTLK. I am bit more meh about MMM, but it is a nice show but nothing super special over WDW IMO.

Heh...and for my money, Magical Map is better than Frozen. Maybe not in production value, but I love the music! It really impressed me.