newbie to DL with lots of questions!

[erin1998]

Good afternoon all....
First some background....I have been thinking about our vacation for next year and have decided that we are going to DL. ALthough we travel to WDW every year, this will be our first time in DL. It would be just myself and my DS11.
Out of pure convienance for us, I have decided to stay at the DisneyLand Hotel and we will be using transfers to/from LAX. I will not be renting a car as I absolutely hate to drive in areas that I am not familiar with and certainly won't try to in LA.... How is the DL Express buses? Are they easy to find inside the airport (LAX)? Or should I look into a private car company?
I have looked at the different restaurants inside DL and Downtown Disney but am wondering about off-site restaurants. Are there any good places to eat within walking distance of the DisneyLand Hotel? Is it a do-able walk to S. Harbor Blvd?
Also, we would like to see a few of the sights in Hollywood/Universal and have found that GrayLine and Star Line both have tours with pick up at the Disney hotels. Has anyone used them? Are the reputable companies? Since it is just myself and my son travelling, I would like to feel I am with a company that is safe and reliable.
I am sure I will have several questions, but I'll start with these....
Thank you for any advice
Erin

 

[erin1998]

Hi again....
I should have asked as well about shopping. Is there any off-site outlet stores for shopping within walking distance?
Thanks again....I am really hoping someone can help me!
Erin

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the DLR board Erin.

I would read all the stickys at the top of the DL page for alot of good info, but in particular review the following sticky:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

- First Print the "Abreviations" thread.
- Next read &/or print the second thread the "DLR for WDW Vets" thread.
- Then read all the rest.

I'll offer opinions on some of your questions below.

Good afternoon all....
First some background....I have been thinking about our vacation for next year and have decided that we are going to DL. ALthough we travel to WDW every year, this will be our first time in DL. It would be just myself and my DS11.

He'll have a blast. Make sure you get park hoppers that include your day of arrival & day of departure if you have a couple hours to play.


Out of pure convienance for us, I have decided to stay at the DisneyLand Hotel and we will be using transfers to/from LAX. I will not be renting a car as I absolutely hate to drive in areas that I am not familiar with and certainly won't try to in LA.... How is the DL Express buses? Are they easy to find inside the airport (LAX)? Or should I look into a private car company?

Be advised that unlike WDW, travel from LAX to DLR is NOT free. (I've always rented a car....hopefully others will chime in on transportation.)


I have looked at the different restaurants inside DL and Downtown Disney but am wondering about off-site restaurants. Are there any good places to eat within walking distance of the DisneyLand Hotel? Is it a do-able walk to S. Harbor Blvd?

I think your best options are in DTD, the Hotels & in the parks. (& there is plenty to choose from) Harbor Blvd. restaurants may be a few dollars less, but I wouldn't walk to them.


Also, we would like to see a few of the sights in Hollywood/Universal and have found that GrayLine and Star Line both have tours with pick up at the Disney hotels. Has anyone used them? Are the reputable companies? Since it is just myself and my son travelling, I would like to feel I am with a company that is safe and reliable.
I am sure I will have several questions, but I'll start with these....
Thank you for any advice
Erin

& i can't help you with outlet shopping. (you're gonna take you 11 y/o son outlet shopping???!!! say it aint so. )

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

Good afternoon all....
First some background....I have been thinking about our vacation for next year and have decided that we are going to DL. ALthough we travel to WDW every year, this will be our first time in DL. It would be just myself and my DS11.
Out of pure convienance for us, I have decided to stay at the DisneyLand Hotel and we will be using transfers to/from LAX. I will not be renting a car as I absolutely hate to drive in areas that I am not familiar with and certainly won't try to in LA.... How is the DL Express buses? Are they easy to find inside the airport (LAX)? Or should I look into a private car company?
I have looked at the different restaurants inside DL and Downtown Disney but am wondering about off-site restaurants. Are there any good places to eat within walking distance of the DisneyLand Hotel? Is it a do-able walk to S. Harbor Blvd?
Also, we would like to see a few of the sights in Hollywood/Universal and have found that GrayLine and Star Line both have tours with pick up at the Disney hotels. Has anyone used them? Are the reputable companies? Since it is just myself and my son travelling, I would like to feel I am with a company that is safe and reliable.
I am sure I will have several questions, but I'll start with these....
Thank you for any advice
Erin

I think that if you really don't want to drive, you shouldn't. I've been to Disneyland almost every year since I was three and I still don't like to drive around Anaheim/LA. I've stayed at several good neighbor hotels on Harbor and there are plenty of restaurants down the street. Just to name a few, there is a Denny's, Mimi's Cafe, Tony Romas, and several fast food places. They're definitely not upscale but a great way to save money by not eating at DTD.

If you're a tired, I'd say walking to Harbor is a bit of a stretch from the hotel.

In terms of outlet stores, there's one in Fullerton, but I hear the discount is only like 10% and most of it is shirts. I've never been there so thats up to you if you'd like to check it out.

I hope this helps !!

 

[grace249]

Hi!
I have used the DL Express and have never had any troubles. The DL Express was easy to find and use - there are signs that say "hotel pickups" (something like that..?) at the terminal, and it's a large blue Disney bus that comes fairly frequently. You can pay on the bus, and you just tell them which hotel to be dropped off at. It stops at both national and international terminals, and quite a few other people seemed to be using it. It's not AS simple as WDW since you are on your own to find it, but I would recommend it. Last year I payed about $15 each way ($30 total? around that).

As for off-sight restaurants, I would definatly recommend Mimi's Cafe, which is right by the Howard Johnson Hotel (10-15 min walk from Disneyland main gates). We were always pleased with their food and service.

It can be a little bit of a trek from Disneyland Hotel to S Harbor Blvd when you're tired, but it is do-able.

My friend and I have taken GrayLine tours from the Howard Johnson Hotel. We did a "Full-day Universal Tour" and a seperate "LA Tour" (which included a 45-min stop on Hollywood Blvd). Both tours were great, they were very attentive to the passengers (they never left without everyone being on the bus), were on time, and we felt safe using them.

I hope this helps, and have fun on your trip!!! =)

 

[erin1998]

Good morning.....
Thank you all for your help and advice.... I really appreciate it!
Erin