New York/California?

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Just received our Usa and canada 2003 brochure.
And we are looking at maybe going to New York? just wondering anyone been? any recommendations? Hotels? etc?

Also California Disneyworld? whats it like? again any recommendations? on hotels etc?

Thanx Beth

 

[Jackalope]

I highly recommend the Times Square Marriot. Great location, clean, modern and reasonable for a nice hotel in New York!

Went to Disneyland years ago. It's basically the Magic Kingdom part of DisneyWorld. I certainly wouldn't make a trip just to go there if I could go to DisneyWorld instead, but if you're going to California anyway, it's a nice trip.

 

[Astrid]

Hi - Can't help with New York I'm afraid, however, I posted a question re. hotels in New York a month or so back on the US Boards, if I can find the link I'll let you have it, there were some very informative answers.

As for Disneyland California, there are loads of hotels right by the Park, it's situated in the middle of Anaheim, and unlike Orlando it is possible to actually walk to the park from Anaheim hotels (thought it is a bit of a hike!). We stayed at the Holiday Inn which was very nice, it was a hotel set up rather than motel (ie. with outside corridors) and had all we needed. Friends of mine had a stay at the hotel that looks just like a castle from the outside and loved it there (sorry, I can't remember the name, but it's in all the brochures!).

There is loads to do in California apart from Disney (which we did in 2/3 days) and if you're out that way I'd strongly suggest a few days away to Las Vegas!!

HTH

Astrid

 

[Jackalope]

Good suggestion Astrid. I'd much rather spend the time in Vegas than at Disneyland. If you want the Disney experience, the WORLD is the place to go.

If you think of Vega, the best deal on the strip is the Venetian. All suites for $189!

 

[UKDEB]

We loved New York and can't wait to go back - we'll probably be doing so next year as part of a trip to the US to celebrate my brother's 40th.

We stayed at the Omni Berkshire Place on Madison and 52nd (between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue). It was a superb hotel in a great location and I'd definitely stay there again. We got a good rate through Hotel Reservations Network.

Haven't been to California yet, but I'm sure we will before too much longer. There are now 2 Disney Parks (check out the official Disneyland Resort site) with a third on the way (due to open sometime next year, I think).

 

[Penny12]

I loved both NY and California!

I'm pretty sure I answered on Astrid thread where I stayed in NY (atleast I remember reading it LOL). I stayed at the Pennyslvania Hotel, opposite Madison Square Garden. Very central, 5 minutes Times Square, 5 minutes Empire State (if you do nothing else, go up the Empire State...awesome - we did it twice, once in the morning and once at dusk), 5 minutes 5th Avenue, 10-15 minutes Central Station...you get the idea The only thing that is a good distance away is the Financial District (minus the Towers now ) which is also where you go to catch the Statten Island Ferry (free, and takes you past the Statue of Liberty) or the proper paid for trips which take you to the Statue itself.

One thing to bare in mind. As a general rule, hotels in NY are expensive, they have totally lavish lobbies, and they have rooms that you can barely swing a cat in! Take it as being part of the city's character

I loved NY - and despite a reputation of NY'ers being brusk and rude, I found them to be just as nice and friendly as any other American I've met. They're just in a little bit more of a rush sometimes

Disneyland - well I haven't been there since the 2nd park and the Downtown Disney area opened, so it's changed dramatically! As Astrid says, many hotels are of the motel feel - unless you are staying onsite, then I say go for one of these and keep the cost down - there really isn't the same atmosphere that there is with WDW because Disney don't own a cushion of land around the parks like in Florida, so go for practical and economical. We stayed at the Carousel Inn, it is opposite DL Magic Kingdom and we watched the monorail go right by all the time, and could see the Matterhorn too. Just about all the hotels offer a shuttle to the park which saves you a mile long walk thru the car park to the gates.

DL is worth doing, but I wouldn't make a trip just for the park (whereas I would make a trip just for WDW) but California has a great deal to offer and you'd be missing out if you went all that way and just went to DL. I didn't actually think much of LA, lacks personality I thought, but driving up the coast to San Francisco might be something to consider. SF is a FAB city - I just loved it, plus you go past San Simeon, Big Sur, Monterey (the best aquarium I have EVER been to, plus there is a factory outlet there if you feel the urge to shop, hehehe) and ooooh, oodles of things I haven't even touched on!

Whatever you pick, you won't go wrong IMO

 

[Claire L]

New York is a great town last went there in 1992 and want to got here with DH as he hasn't been there before. There is alot to do and a helicopter tour will give you a great perspective of Manhattan. The Empire State has great views especially of the lightsat night. A boat trip around th lower end of Manhattan is great nd th views of Liberty are breathtaking.

Have been to DL twice and want to go back not just for DL but for Universal Hollywood - much better than Orlando and also to try Six Flags for the rollecoasters. I also just love California and we plan to do Route 1 from San Francisco to LA hopefully next year at a leisurely pace in 3 weeks. In LA have stayed at Universal Hilton in 1991 and it was fine for two nights. In 1998 stayed at Hyatt at Newport Beach and it was lovely and was not far from gorgeous Newport Beach. Distance to DL was about 45 to 60 minutes I think but LA isn't just about DL it has alot more to offer such as Long Beach, Santa Monica, Hollywood and other nearby trips such as San Diego Seaworld and the famous Zoo.

If you go to Las Vegas and money allows get a trip out to the Grand Canyon by plane the view and feeling there is unbelievable. For hotels I'd love to stay at the Luxor or New York New York. In past stays I've stayed at The Sahara - too far from the main strip and Imperial Palace - cenrally locate but a bit dated now compared to all the new hotels.

Where ever you go you will have a great time as in America you can't really go wrong.

Claire