Newbie to DL and I have a few questions?!? (Trip booked more questions post 6)

[r3ngels]

Hi guys,
I have been to WDW but never to DL. Actually never even been to CA so I have questions.

First what airport is best to fly into? I know that address is Anaheim but do you fly into LAX? That is the best flight price I found.

Does DL have the magical express from the airport?

Also with the 3 disney hotels are they all nice or what is your favorite. My favorite at WDW is BWV for Deluxe and CSR for mod... never have stayed at the Value. I will be traveling with DH and my 3 girls (11,8,6) so it has to sleep 5.

Lastly, is it easy to get to other California attractions such as Universal, San Deigo zoo, and Sea World?

Thank you so much. I would love to go but it seems scary to go when I am not familiar at all with it.

 

[Quest4fun]

I usually recommend first timers use John Wayne airport since it's a lot closer and provides a less stressfull experience than LAX. Factor in transportation costs and time needed to get to and from when comparing prices with closer airports.

As far as hotels, you can usually get a pretty good deal with a non-Disney hotel. Many are within a reasonable walking distance and offer great ammenities. The Anabella is fantastic especially for the price. If you're not too concerned with the looks and want a basic room that's clean I recommend the Anaheim Plaza. They just put in new furniture and the rooms are very clean. It's maybe a 15 minute walk to the main entrance.

Getting to the other sites are pretty easy as well. Universal is roughly an hour North with traffic and the SD Zoo and Seaworld are about a couple hours South. There is also Knott's Berry Farm about 20 minutes away. An hour drive up I-5 will take you to Six Flags Magic Mountain which has some incredible rollercoasters.

Everything is pretty darned close. Mapquest and like will give you a pretty accurate picture of drive times though during the week traffic can be lousy especially around LA. Universal City is the worst trip. Everything else is right off of I-5.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you so much. I would love to go but it seems scary to go when I am not familiar at all with it.

Quest looks like he answered everything, so let me make sure you know about this link to make you feel more comfortable.

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[ShawnaF]

Love John Wayne airport (and they have a great Starbucks if you're into that.) If the price difference isn't too much, go for that.

Hotels - I've stayed at PP four times and have had 4 not fantastic experiences so I wouldn't ever recommend it again, I'd go across to HoJos before I stayed at PP. For short term stays I guess it's okay but not for me and certainly not for longer stays. I like GCH best and DLH second. DLH has the extra magic but GCH staff is amazing. Both are great and we'll stay at both this year.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I love to stay onsite at DL and won't do anything but onsite for WDW. Having stayed at BWV, I guess I might say GCH but then again... I prefer the DLH and while I think it is "deluxe" level (they all three are at DLR) it doesn't have some of the amenities that the deluxes at WDW has such as nightly turndown. GCH does. Here are some pros of both GCH and DLH.

DLH: Lovely grounds, nice pool area that especially appeals to younger kids. Rooms are light and bright with light wood furnishings with tons of Disney touches. It does not have balconies but has a sliding door to allow fresh air in which is nice. Has some great dining choices including two upscale restaurants, a fun character meal (that serves all three meals), a small take out type place near the pool. It also has some nice things for kids such as an arcade, these little remote control jungle cruise boats, sandy areas at both pools and at the quiet pool there is a large sandy area with a volleyball net. The rooms are typically oversized. There are a few that are more average sized but in seven stays I have only gotten that type room twice. And it was still good sized, definitely bigger than a WDW moderate. There are three towers, some with great views of the pool or DTD and the parks. The staff is friendly but not as "we're here to spoil you to death" as the GCH and WDW deluxe's. Many of the rooms have daybeds, if not then they will bring you a very nice free rollaway. For a family of five it is really nice to know you will have a third bed one way or the other.

GCH: Really nice craftsmen style in the lobby and rooms. The lobby is gorgeous. This is the only DLR hotel designed and built by Disney and it shows. It doesn't have any grounds to speak of. It is closest to the parks although given the long hallways (just like BW) sometimes you feel like you walk a half mile to get to the elevator! It also has nice dining options, including White Water Snacks which is one of the best cs places on DL property. The staff at the pool at the GCH will serve you food from Whitewater or you can go get it yourself. The rooms are very nicely appointed, a bit smaller than DLH and darker since the woods theme is dark. Almost all of them have balconies, which is so nice. Some of the rooms have bunkbeds or daybeds. They will not guarantee that. If you dont' get a bunkbed or daybed room they will bring you a sleeping bag. No rollaways here. GCH has Napa Rose which is a five star restaurant as well as Storytellers which has fun character breakfast and then a buffet for dinner (no characters) or regular menu.

You cannot go wrong with either. I love the charm and Disney touches of the DLH and love the grounds. However the service and ameniites at the GCH and the location are wonderful too. Of course GCH is typically more expensive.

I agree that there are some nice choices for offsite hotels near DL. However, if you don't mind spending the extra, I am always in favor of staying onsite at DL. You will get Magic Mornings each day they are offered vs. the one day your park hopper will give you. They are the only hotels nearby that have pool slides, pool bars and the amenities only Disney can offer. It isn't imperative at DL the way it is at WDW but I still think it adds quite a bit to the trip. Thats just my opinion however and again, you pay a whole lot more. There are no moderate or value options for onsite at DL which is too bad. Good luck and have fun planning your trip!

 

[r3ngels]

You guys are GREAT! I am sorry I haven't written back in awhile but I was booking my trip!!!!

I booked 6 nights at the Disneyland Hotel at the end of March. With my family of 5 I asked for a daybed. We are getting a prem view and I asked for a pool view....

We are flying in and out of LAX... which scares me a bit but it was the cheapest air fare with the best times. From STL there were so many options. My DH flies into LAX for business so he isn't worried.

We are renting a car. We got a mini van so if we go to Sea World or San Diego zoo we will have space.

I think we may do DL both parks (of course), Sea World and Universal. I am not sure about the Zoo... It seems like a lot of driving to go back to San Diego for another day after Sea World.

How many days do you think for DL and CA... can you see it all in 2-3 or is it nice to have more days?

What about restaurants any outstanding ones that we shouldn't miss?

Thanks again guys you are great

I am so excited... I have never been to California.

 

[HydroGuy]

How many days do you think for DL and CA... can you see it all in 2-3 or is it nice to have more days?

Do read the link I gave above for WDW vets as it dicusses this and a lot more. Minimum three days at DLR and four is better. I think most people are like me and spend about 25% of their time at DCA and 75% at DL. But we do not do it like three full days at DL and then one full day at DCA. We ussually spend some part of every day at DCA and DL, with at least one day more heavily at DCA and the others more heavily at DL.

 

[r3ngels]

Trey you are amazing I looked at it briefly last week before booking and now sat down with a cup of coffee and I am reading the whole thing...

I will report back in a minute... still reading. You have got me so excited to go... my girls are off from school and they keep reading over my shoulder saying why can't we leave NOW!

You are awesome

 

[CoolPool]

I think with 5 in the room you (OP) made a very wise choice. The rooms are big and have a light/open feel.

Don't worry too much on LAX. Many of the highways that lead to the I-5 now have a carpool lane and even in 5pm rush-hour I cruised the whole way from LAX after picking up my mother. We were amazed at how easy and fast it was. I had told the front desk at the DLH we wouldn't be there til almost after 7pm for checkin and we were there by a little after 6. It was a breeze and we were able to go to the parks despite early (8pm) closing that day. So I'd like to reassure you that LAX is not that big a deal.

Honestly I'd take the SD Zoo over Universal. I live about 10 minutes away and...its just not that great and a real step down from the whole themed/immaculate atmosphere of DLR. And its a real schlep from DLR to Universal through L.A. traffic and back. (The Florida Universal is more of a big deal.) But I do hear you about the double trip to San Diego. I wonder if you might drop a night at DLH and spend a night down there going to SeaWorld one afternoon and the Zoo the next morning. Just a thought.

Restaurants: My kids love the Rainforest Cafe. They have a children's menu and light-up flashing drinks that I always end up buying. LoL. Storytellers has a lovely breakfast buffet or alacarte with characters. Ariel's Grotto has the worst food in the world but wonderful princess interaction for girls. (If you can, let them wear a princess dress - The Princesses make a big fuss over their mini-replicants.) Yamabuki is a nice Japanese restaurant for sushi. Other than that, I'm not so impressed with food overall at the parks except I'm a sucker for Mickey waffles whenever and wherever I can get them.

 

[smilnjen]

I'm also flying into LAX. It was cheaper, with direct flights..with three small children a non stop flight (on top of being cheaper) was very appealing to me! We have a shuttle to the hotel so at least we don't have to drive!

I plan on eating at rainforest cafe and hopefully bubba gumps at the garden walk...maybe even cheesecake factory


15 more days YAY!

 

[smilnjen]

ohh, BTW we are taking the Disneyland Resort Express from the airport, but there is also something called the Karmel Shuttle with a web site for quotes and also you can go to Limos.com and get lots of quotes from different companies for limo rides to/from the airport...I almost did that.

 

[Hound 109]

I think with 5 in the room you (OP) made a very wise choice. The rooms are big and have a light/open feel.

Don't worry too much on LAX. Many of the highways that lead to the I-5 now have a carpool lane and even in 5pm rush-hour I cruised the whole way from LAX after picking up my mother. We were amazed at how easy and fast it was. I had told the front desk at the DLH we wouldn't be there til almost after 7pm for checkin and we were there by a little after 6. It was a breeze and we were able to go to the parks despite early (8pm) closing that day. So I'd like to reassure you that LAX is not that big a deal.

Honestly I'd take the SD Zoo over Universal. I live about 10 minutes away and...its just not that great and a real step down from the whole themed/immaculate atmosphere of DLR. And its a real schlep from DLR to Universal through L.A. traffic and back. But I do hear you about the double trip to San Diego. I wonder if you might drop a night at DLH and spend a night down there going to SeaWorld one afternoon and the Zoo the next morning. Just a thought.
.......

I very much agree with CoolPool.

If i was planning a visit for me or a family member given your length of stay & kid's ages, I would do it one of two ways:

- Fly into LAX & drive to SD (unless you can fly into SD & out of LAX economically) your first night. Spend two nights. See the Zoo one day & SeaWorld another day. You can also see some of lovely SD in evening this way. Leave at 3pm'ish (after the second day) & head to DLR (saving the best for last). The rest of the 4-5 nights at the DLH. or.....

- Keep your original plans & drive down to SD for a day trip to Sea World. You can do the Zoo on your next trip (yes, you'll fall in love with Walt's park & there'll be a next trip. )

- Either way, dump the Universal day on this trip.


Recommendations:

- Continue to read all of Trey's tip threads.
- Read the other sticky's on the first page of the DL board. (MaryJo's, & the Dining Review threads are also great.)
- Let us know the dates.....different parks should be visited on different days for different reasons.
- Also approx. times of flights arriving & departing.

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[r3ngels]

I read it all... wow that was amazing. Trey I am in awe of your knowledge for DL!

I think I will need more than 2-3 days there. I am questioning going to Universal.

We will be there from March 30 (Sunday) arrive LAX around noon and leave April 4 (Saturday) also around noon.

I already booked our rooms and I used my DVC points so I can't book a night in San Diego or else I would lose the points. And with the flight is booked I can't add on a day. So we either skip it or drive it.

My concern is trying to get too much scheduled and coming home tired. I want it to be a fun vacation not a marathon. Some WDW trips I come home in a coma from all of the running. I really don't want that... we need a restful vacation. I learned a long time ago with my WDW trips... if you push the kids too much you all end up miserable.

I want to buy our tickets ahead of time so I would like to figure out how many days we need.

Thank you guys

 

[Hound 109]

I read it all... wow that was amazing. Trey I am in awe of your knowledge for DL!

I think I will need more than 2-3 days there. I am questioning going to Universal.

We will be there from March 30 (Sunday) arrive LAX around noon and leave April 4 (Saturday) also around noon.

I already booked our rooms and I used my DVC points so I can't book a night in San Diego or else I would lose the points. And with the flight is booked I can't add on a day. So we either skip it or drive it.

My concern is trying to get too much scheduled and coming home tired. I want it to be a fun vacation not a marathon. Some WDW trips I come home in a coma from all of the running. I really don't want that... we need a restful vacation. I learned a long time ago with my WDW trips... if you push the kids too much you all end up miserable.

I want to buy our tickets ahead of time so I would like to figure out how many days we need.

Thank you guys

Junk my "two nights in SD idea". (i thought you had 7 full days....looks like it's only 5 full days.)

With only 5 1/2 days to play, I would "day trip" to SeaWorld or Universal (if inclined) on a Wednesday....or use that day to sightsee or go to Huntington/Balboa or Laguna beach areas...if you feel you need a break from DLR.

More importantly....take a break (swim or nap) each afternoon.

You'll have MM/EE available to you on Tues, Thurs, & (believe it or not) Sat. morning that should be penciled in your plans.

Regarding the number of day's tickets. Get the 7 days for the price of 5 or the 6 days for the price of 4 (specials running thru late April). It's only $10 bucks per day (extra) to enjoy DL on arrival day & on departure day. Unlike WDW, it is NOT a pain to run into the park for 2-4 hours.....in fact it's a great way to start or end a trip.

 

[HydroGuy]

I agree you need to be careful about overdoing it. So take this with a grain of salt. I lived in San Diego for five years and made many trips to SW and the SD Zoo (we had APs to the zoo one year). So I have nothing against them.

There is some truth to the idea that a zoo is a zoo is a zoo. USH has a lot to offer over the SD Zoo. It depends on how old one's kids are and how much they are into Hollywood movies. My boys love USH but they are a little older than the OP's girls. They would choose USH over any zoo in a heartbeat. If forced to choose between USH and SWSD I would guess it would be too close to call.

My advice is not to write off USH too quickly. You will not go wrong visiting SWSD and the SD Zoo. But I am not in full agreement with some of the posts in this thread which discourage a visit to USH. My two cents.

 

[Quest4fun]

I agree you need to be careful about overdoing it. So take this with a grain of salt. I lived in San Diego for five years and made many trips to SW and the SD Zoo (we had APs to the zoo one year). So I have nothing against them.

There is some truth to the idea that a zoo is a zoo is a zoo. USH has a lot to offer over the SD Zoo. It depends on how old one's kids are and how much they are into Hollywood movies. My boys love USH but they are a little older than the OP's girls. They would choose USH over any zoo in a heartbeat. If forced to choose between USH and SWSD I would guess it would be too close to call.

My advice is not to write off USH too quickly. You will not go wrong visiting SWSD and the SD Zoo. But I am not in full agreement with some of the posts in this thread which discourage a visit to USH. My two cents.

Hydro hit the nail on the head. Both parks are very good but for very different reasons.

Younger kids will likely enjoy the zoo but be prepared to walk. If you're used to better laid out zoos, where the animals are grouped together by family then you'll see everything better. The San Diego Zoo does it by continent which can be good and bad. Don't expect to see all the big cats in one spot. Siberian Tigers are not going to be near African Lions. It's a huge park and without a battle plan you may miss out on many things. There is a bus tour that will take you by many animals and save you some walking. Find out where the tour goes and avoid seeing those animals on foot. Don't get me wrong. The San Diego Zoo is fantastic.

Universal Studios is a totally different animal. It is also a pretty large theme park but it's very easy to see everything in a day. They have many thrill rides and some fantastic shows but not a whole lot that would keep your kids excited. Teenagers tend to like the studio tour and other attractions. They may learn a thing or two as well but it's disguised as entertainment so they won't know any better. Universal City Walk is a lot like Downtown Disney minus the Disney presence. There is plenty to do in the area and older families will find plenty to do.

I would also suggest Six Flags Magic Mountian for those that like thrill rides. The park itself isn't fantastic but the rides are world class. It's about as clean as Knott's Berry Farm and the crowd is similar. A lot of local people. On the weekend you can get to Six Flags in a little over an hour from Anaheim. Like every other theme park in California it's right off the I-5. It's rarely Disney busy so if you don't like crows this is the place for you. There is a kids themed area but the rides are pretty basic and can be found in Camp Snoopy at Knott's.

 

[livinintexas]

If you want restful, how about just staying at the DLR and enjoy the pool and other Disney entertainment? There are some beaches nearby as someone suggested so you can see the ocean while you are there! Just a thought!

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Regarding the number of day's tickets. Get the 7 days for the price of 5 or the 6 days for the price of 4 (specials running thru late April). It's only $10 bucks per day (extra) to enjoy DL on arrival day & on departure day. Unlike WDW, it is NOT a pain to run into the park for 2-4 hours.....in fact it's a great way to start or end a trip.

why does everyone always say that? we only paid $4 extra ($2 a person) to add an extra day to our WDW tickets. so we used it the night we got there to spend a couple hours at epcot. it wasn't a pain. it was quite fun and we were able to do a lot in those 2 hours. yes, disneyland is even easier...but wdw wasn't difficult in the slightest.

 

[bumbershoot]

The San Diego Zoo does it by continent which can be good and bad.

Is that why it's like that? I couldn't figure out why it was so seemingly-randomly spread out. (obviously I wasn't into reading signs that day, b/c I would bet that it's explained, LOL) Loved the zoo, but could not figure that out!

why does everyone always say that? we only paid $4 extra ($2 a person) to add an extra day to our WDW tickets. so we used it the night we got there to spend a couple hours at epcot. it wasn't a pain. it was quite fun and we were able to do a lot in those 2 hours. yes, disneyland is even easier...but wdw wasn't difficult in the slightest.

I would assume that the people saying that they found it difficult, or to be a pain, probably found it to be difficult or to be a pain. Not everyone feels the same about everything!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Yeah, I think sometimes at WDW getting to a park on a deaprture day can be a nightmare because of the whole transportation issue. At Disneyland, you know that you can walk out the door of your onsite hotel, or your nearby motel (that is also within walking distance, sometimes 2 minutes from the gate type distance) and be inside the park in say no more than 20 minutes. At WDW, if you are unfortunate to have one of those not so infrequent events where you stand at a busstop for an hour waiting for a bus, then suddenly its a whole different story. Sometimes its the exact opposite and you get on the bus in just a few minutes. Then its easy like it is at DL. Other times, well not so much.

I know that on one of departure days, we waited for a bus for well over an hour and gave up. We were at Saratoga Springs, so we walked over to DTD and spent some time there instead of our original plan to go to Epcot. Another time we had to wait for ME forever, got to the resort very late and at that point going to Epcot for dinner (in Morrocco which is a long walk around the World Showcase) with my elderly parents and two very worn out kids was not going to happen. Had we been at DL, it would have been no problem due to the fact everything is so close together.

And of course once you get to the park, then you have to allow PLENTY of time to take the transporation back to your hotel to get your stuff and head to the airport, unless you rented a car.

WDW is such a vast place that at times getting around is your biggest challenge and the longest waits you ofen have are for buses, boats and monorails. And if you are travelling with small children or elderly family members, then its even more difficult. I have done that several times and have learned the hard way, no park on departure and arrival days, too many variables that can make a first or last day anything but pleasant!