OMG I have no idea what I'm doing....

[SDSorority]

AGGHH!! HELP!

I'm a WDW vet- been there many times. I've read the 'tip' threads on this board (WHICH ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!) but I still have some questions.

1- What close hotel do you prefer? I was thinking either Best Western Park Place, Fairfield Inn Anaheim, Howard Johnson by DL, or Candy Cane. I don't think we'll do a DLR owned hotel (and believe me, I'm an onsite JUNKY at WDW...) because I think they're too expensive........ SOOOO we're wanting a good neighbor hotel within walking distance.

2- Is May a good time to visit? We're planning on going in 2013, and we don't LOOOOOVE crowds, but we don't LOOOOOVE attractions being closed either. That's why I was thinking May- mid to late in the month. Before most schools are out, but late enough that refurbs would be done. Is this wishful thinking?

3- Is the DLR as good about food allergies as WDW? I emailed them for the allergy information but haven't heard back yet.

4- I probably shouldn't be overwhelmed... but I am Is there anything else that I need to know?

TIA!!!!

 

[nannyz]

I've stayed in nearly all the motels near Disneyland and now will not stay anywhere but the HoJo. It is by far the best, even though a little farther to walk.
We almost always go at the end of May and rarely have encountered any closures. Lines are sometimes long but not unbearable.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

1. All you listed are excellent choices. Hojos is probably the furthest walk (about 8 minutes), but an excellent pool/water play area for kids.

2. Mid to late May is an excellent time. Refurbs are finishing up, nice weather, just make sure you hit a weekend night or 2 to enjoy the nighttime shows which don't typically show midweek in May.

4. BREATHE!!!! After planning our first trip to WDW, I now get why WDW vets get worked up trying to plan a DL trip. But it really isn't that complicated. Just remember you won't get hours, entertainment schedules or dining reservations 6 months out. 60 days is pushing it, and most likely you can't finalize details like shows and stuff until a month out. It's okay!!! Have fun planning!!

 

[SDSorority]

1. All you listed are excellent choices. Hojos is probably the furthest walk (about 8 minutes), but an excellent pool/water play area for kids.

2. Mid to late May is an excellent time. Refurbs are finishing up, nice weather, just make sure you hit a weekend night or 2 to enjoy the nighttime shows which don't typically show midweek in May.

4. BREATHE!!!! After planning our first trip to WDW, I now get why WDW vets get worked up trying to plan a DL trip. But it really isn't that complicated. Just remember you won't get hours, entertainment schedules or dining reservations 6 months out. 60 days is pushing it, and most likely you can't finalize details like shows and stuff until a month out. It's okay!!! Have fun planning!!

HAHA yes, this is what is driving me BONKERS!!! I was floored when I emailed DL to get their gluten-free list (like WDW has...) and got an email back that said that I could pick it up at City Hall when I arrive. WHHHAAAT how do I plan my eyeballs out until my brain hurts?!?!?! I just need to tell myself "stop comparing it to WDW.... stop comparing it to WDW.... STOP COMPARING IT TO WDW!!!!!"

 

[blackjackdelta]

1. All you listed are excellent choices. Hojos is probably the furthest walk (about 8 minutes), but an excellent pool/water play area for kids.

2. Mid to late May is an excellent time. Refurbs are finishing up, nice weather, just make sure you hit a weekend night or 2 to enjoy the nighttime shows which don't typically show midweek in May.

4. BREATHE!!!! After planning our first trip to WDW, I now get why WDW vets get worked up trying to plan a DL trip. But it really isn't that complicated. Just remember you won't get hours, entertainment schedules or dining reservations 6 months out. 60 days is pushing it, and most likely you can't finalize details like shows and stuff until a month out. It's okay!!! Have fun planning!!

One of these years I will get there.

Jack

 

[Dizzy4DL]

We stay at the Best Western Park Place because you really can't get any closer (except the Grand Cal.) and it has an adequate breakfast.
Notice I said adequate....
In the end it saves our family 15-30 dollars a day in food costs.

 

[HydroGuy]

AGGHH!! HELP!

I'm a WDW vet- been there many times. I've read the 'tip' threads on this board (WHICH ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!) but I still have some questions.

1- What close hotel do you prefer? I was thinking either Best Western Park Place, Fairfield Inn Anaheim, Howard Johnson by DL, or Candy Cane. I don't think we'll do a DLR owned hotel (and believe me, I'm an onsite JUNKY at WDW...) because I think they're too expensive........ SOOOO we're wanting a good neighbor hotel within walking distance.

2- Is May a good time to visit? We're planning on going in 2013, and we don't LOOOOOVE crowds, but we don't LOOOOOVE attractions being closed either. That's why I was thinking May- mid to late in the month. Before most schools are out, but late enough that refurbs would be done. Is this wishful thinking?

3- Is the DLR as good about food allergies as WDW? I emailed them for the allergy information but haven't heard back yet.

4- I probably shouldn't be overwhelmed... but I am Is there anything else that I need to know?

TIA!!!!

IMO May is the best off-season month to visit DLR. But make sure you know about off-season. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Also, you probably already know DCA will open Cars Land and a new entrance sometime this summer hopefully in June but doubtfully in May. You will likley miss that in May. The entire entrance to DCA will be walled up and it will not be pretty.

Making sure you have seen this for more "anything else you need to know" stuff:

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

 

[SDSorority]

IMO May is the best off-season month to visit DLR. But make sure you know about off-season. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Also, you probably already know DCA will open Cars Land and a new entrance sometime this summer hopefully in June but doubtfully in May. You will likley miss that in May. The entire entrance to DCA will be walled up and it will not be pretty.

Making sure you have seen this for more "anything else you need to know" stuff:

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

THANKS! We're super excited about Carsland... and since we won't be going until May 2013, it'll be well open (...I hope.... ). You never know.

What airport is the best to fly into? I was thinking LAX, but saw that John Wayne was close by. I don't know the Anaheim area... is it a safe city? Not Compton-ish is it? Are there good places for groceries close by? We will have a car, so if I have to drive a bit to a 'safe' neighborhood, that's fine.

 

[furb & dez]

We try to stay in the Best Western Park Place if it's available. It's not fabulous, but it's acceptable, and the closest you can get off-property.

Remember that Disneyland is NOT Walt Disney World. Disneyland is actively managed and has continual love and care pumped into it by management, constantly striving to improve the guest experience. WDW does not.

 

[HydroGuy]

THANKS! We're super excited about Carsland... and since we won't be going until May 2013, it'll be well open (...I hope.... ). You never know.

What airport is the best to fly into? I was thinking LAX, but saw that John Wayne was close by. I don't know the Anaheim area... is it a safe city? Not Compton-ish is it? Are there good places for groceries close by? We will have a car, so if I have to drive a bit to a 'safe' neighborhood, that's fine.

"Best" airport? SNA is the closest and nicest and IMO the best.

See "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Not sure what you mean by safe city. Where would you be going aside from DLR? The area around DLR is quite safe.

Groceries depends on what you want. If it is just snacks then there are many places (such as 7-11) on Harbor where you can get that. There are other grocery stores nearby if you plan to use your car. We have never used them but others hear can give more info.

 

[poohnpigletCA]

We live in CA and have AP's to Disneyland. We have done one trip to DW and are planning are second. For us DW required much more planning ahead of time, knowing what park we would be in each day and what time we would eat. However, DW was much more relaxing once we began our vacation. After all, we knew what park we would be in and were we would be eating each day.

On the other hand Disneyland does not require much planning beforehand, but then you might be deciding as you go which can be frustrating. We are currently planning a trip to Disneyland for March of this year. Yes less than two months away. I just called today and it was easy to get every adr I wanted at exactly the time I requested.

On site we love the Paradise Pier hotel. I just booked for March and am paying 160 a night. This is very close to many of the good neighbor hotels. A couple of months before a trip I play around with my dates and hotels on the Disneyland website, or call and get a quote. I have always received a pin code within a couple of weeks of doing that.

HoJo has an entertainment card rate. With the retro rate you pay 59. to 129 (two bedroom suite). You just have to show an entertainment card at check in. The card alone can be purchased on ebay without the book for around 2. Here is the site that has the retro rates:
http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

If you have not already gotten a gluten-free list I can pick one up for you on our trip and mail it to you.