Newbie...with a few questions

[lisareneeo]

I have only been to Disneyland one time (a long time ago...college)
We love Disney World and go often.
Will be visiting friends in CA this summer and will visit DL as well.
We are a family of 4 (2 children ages 14 and 12)

My questions...
How many days do we need at DL? Two or Three?
Should we stay at a Disney hotel or would it be ok on an off site hotel?
In Disney World, we have only stayed on site and go for at least 5 days up to 10.

Any suggestions for meals on site?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Lisa

 

[wdi2b]

3-4 days... during off season book best western across the street from park. do not go to disney land hotel... and for food, in-park there is a lot to choose from, i prefer the golden horshoe and the show that they have in there. remember it's not WDW there's not as much to do.

 

[lisareneeo]

Because we are doing other things in California, we most likely will have to stay off site. It does not seem like it will make that much of a difference as it would (to me ) at WDW.

I will look into the Best Western. Thanks for your input!

 

[sahbushka]

3-4 days, HOJO or Candy Cane Inn. Candy cane has a nice breakfast and has a free shuttle to the park though it is also within walking distance and HOJO has some great rates, is within walking to the park and has a great water park area.

Have a great time! and don't forget to get the park hopper pass!

SarahMay

 

[lulubelle]

Just to echo the others, 3 full days; but 4 is even better. I love Candy Cane Inn. Hojo's is great, too. Either Sheraton would be a good choice, as is the BW. But I must disagree with the statement "there's not as much to do" as WDW. If you read Hydroguy's comparison of the two parks you will see the total rides and attactions of both locations are close in number. It's just two parks instead of four and can be successfully enjoyed in 4 days rather than 7. Have a great trip.

 

[DreaminDisney529]

If your children are 12 and 14, I would argue that you could do DLR in 2 days no hopper. DL is usually open 8am-12mid during peak times so you could get in almost all of the attractions. DCA hours are a little shorter but you could get in most, if not all of the attractions. So you could do the parks in two days. Just depends on your budget

 

[HydroGuy]

If your children are 12 and 14, I would argue that you could do DLR in 2 days no hopper. DL is usually open 8am-12mid during peak times so you could get in almost all of the attractions. DCA hours are a little shorter but you could get in most, if not all of the attractions. So you could do the parks in two days. Just depends on your budget

Many of us would say that "doing the parks" involves much more than going on rides. Yes, with focus one could probably ride all rides in DL and DCA once over a two day period. It would be quite tiring. But add in shows, parades, fireworks, listening to music on Main Street, Jedi Training Academy, Princess Fantasy Faire, visiting Mickey and other characters, shopping, dining, taking pictures, and doing favorite rides a second time, one would have a hard time doing that in even three very full days. Four would be more like it.

 

[lisareneeo]

Again, thanks for the responses. We are going for two days for sure and maybe three. There is just soooo much to do in California, we want to make sure to save some time for beaches and sight seeing too!