Ok Disneyland Folk... need help planning from experts....

[tigger2on]

So we are debating whether to bring our disabled DD to DL next January. She will be 8 and we'd like to do something different for a change. We will only do 2 nights and 3 days at DL but need some help with planning. We plan to do San Diego or LA too!

1. What is the weather like in January over there?
2. What are the crowds like in january?
3. Are there any specific US holidays we need to avoid in that time period?
4. What days would you suggest we visit the parks.... mid week, early week, weekend?
5. Where should we stay? Onsite or Off site?

We are avid WDW people but would like a chance to see the other side of the US.

All Help, Advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[daannzzz]

Avoind the week following New Years and you are fine. The crowds will be minimal. You will most likely find that the Haunted Mansion and it's a small world will be closed to remove their holiday layovers. There may be other closures as well as Disneyland makes the final turn into the 50th celebration.
The weather can run the gamut from warm (even hot) days with chilly evenings to cold, blustery rainy days with COLD evenings.
Disneyland is crowded every Saturday unless it is storming. DCA is more crowded on Sundays from what I have read. Weekday touring is good though the parks don't stay open as late.
Stayine on Disney property here is not as crucial. Check this link.
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/dlmp.html
The 3 Disney hotels are located at the parks with the Grand Californian being connected to DCA and just across the walkway from Disneyland. The Grand Californian is most like the hotels at Walt Disney World, is beautiful, comforatable and expensive. The Disneyland hotel is a bit farther away but the rooms are bigger and a bit more Disney oriented with fun touches throughout.
But staying off property is much easier here and there are many places closer than two of the three Disney hotels.
My favorites are...The Howard Johnson, The Candy Cane Inn and the Best Western Park Place Inn.

 

[cheshcat]

Going in the middle of the week will be less crowded than weekends, but special events, such as fireworks, Electric Parade and Fantasmic are only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

If possible, I would suggest going on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

Also try to avoid Martin Luther King Day (January 17th) which is a 3 day weekend for many people.