newbie to DL and DCA

[kaygela]

We are thinking of making our first trip to DL and DCA this December during the holiday break. We thought we would spend 12/26- 1/1 in LA and devote a few days to the parks. We have been to WDW several times and DLParis once. I have some questions:
1) Would 3 days be enough time? We thought we would stay in the Residence Inn Maingate and then spend some time in a Beverly Hills hotel seeing other sights.
2) Has anyone stayed at the Residence Inn Maingate?
3) What would be our best dining experiences including at least one character meal? We will be traveling with out DS11, DS19 and DS19's girlfriend who is 17.
4) We want to celebrate our son's girlfriend's b'day. Can we arrange anything special?
5)What other attractions would you recommend in the area for the rest of our trip?

Thanks alot in advance. I've never been let down by these boards. And I am so excited about exploring something new.

 

[HydroGuy]

We are thinking of making our first trip to DL and DCA this December during the holiday break. We thought we would spend 12/26- 1/1 in LA and devote a few days to the parks. We have been to WDW several times and DLParis once. I have some questions:
Thanks alot in advance. I've never been let down by these boards. And I am so excited about exploring something new.

Be sure to check out "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" here www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

1) Would 3 days be enough time? We thought we would stay in the Residence Inn Maingate and then spend some time in a Beverly Hills hotel seeing other sights.

Three days would be a minimum. Since it will be extremely busy during the week you are there, a fourth day would be better if you can squeeze it in.

Regarding hotels, personally I am a huge believer in staying within easy walking distance of DLR. I was not sure where the Residence in is, but found it on this map:

www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

and it looks like it will be a bit of a hike to DLR. WDW vets never seem to mind shuttles and buses, but believe me they are not necessary at DLR unless you make it necessary.

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

3) What would be our best dining experiences including at least one character meal? We will be traveling with out DS11, DS19 and DS19's girlfriend who is 17.

Make a reservation at the Blue Bayou.

5)What other attractions would you recommend in the area for the rest of our trip?

See the "DLR Guide" link above for lots of suggestions about Southern Cal.

 

[kaygela]

Wow, HydroGuy, that was a great post with great links. You're Vets Guide is unbelievable. I am printing it out as I am writing this reply. Thanks again!!

 

[kaygela]

oops...this should have been a new post.

 

[kuusimo]

You might also want to keep in mind that since that is the week between Christmas and New Year's, that typically it is the busiest time of the year at Disneyland and in the past they have reached capacity for the park not allowing anyone else inside the park come late afternoon/evening.