overwhelmed already

[DISNEYFOURME]

Yikes.. just started planning our first real trip to DL and already I am overwhelmed! We are WDW junkies but this newness of DL has me nervous! Looks like we will fly into LAX instead of Orange County so we can save about $200 in airfare. Now I look at the great thread of different ground transportations and I am pulling out my hair already! It is so much easier to use the ME and know what we are dealing with. This having to decide and compare prices, etc. is a lot of work. We are staying at VGC at the end of March. I am so out of my element!

 

[merrrydeath]

Breathe. You're going to have to stop comparing it to WDW while planning. They are two different places, two different locations, and I'm sure your first planning of WDW wasn't a piece of cake. It's all new information that you'll have to absorb and learn to understand. You have some time until march, so if you already have your flight and hotel done then you don't need to rush to get everything else. I highly suggest using the search to see if there are others who have had similar problems(I'm sure there are) and see what tips that they've received. Of course ask everyone if you have questions, that's what we're here for!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

DL is really super easy to navigate. I would say your best ground transportation choices are the Disneyland Express:

http://www.graylineanaheim.com/airport_info.shtml

or Super Shuttle. We are flying into Orange County and were able to get a better deal using a promo code for Super Shuttle. The one we used is:

UYR59

If you decide on the DL express I found the best rates through get away today if your party is small. If it's larger there is a family package deal on the link above.

 

[albertamom]

We used Disneyland Resort Express (operated by Grayline) on our first trip, and it was fine (definitely the cheapest choice), but have used Supershuttle ever since, and have been very happy. We pre-pay online (including tip), airport pick-up is very prompt, and they have always been right on time for the return trip back.

We love the trip from LAX to DLR! (I know, we're a little weird.) We love reading the freeway signs to famous places, seeing landmark buildings, and when we see Knott's Berry Farm, we know we're almost there, and the excitement is palpable!

It's so funny to hear WDW veterans worry about a DLR trip, because I'm exactly the same way when I think about planning a WDW trip. It is completely overwhelming to me, and I don't even know where to begin.

No matter what you decide, you will have an absolutely magical vacation!

 

[jlmarr]

It is so much easier to use the ME and know what we are dealing with.

Magical Express has only been around for 5 years - what did you do before that?

Anyway, as others have said, DL is a breeze.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

take a deep breath.

DL planning is almost non existent compared to WDW. We took our first trip to DL this past summer after 7 trips in 4 years to WDW.

Everything is really close to the parks. Hydroguys information on here is not to be missed. He has a lot of great tips.

We took the Disneyland Express back in June. They had an online special for 5 people for $99 round trip. It was a breeze to use them. While it isn't ME, it is a very reliable and cheap way to get to your hotel.

My observations for DL compared to WDW are as follows.
1. Characters at DL just suddenly show up in spots for greetings.
2. Park Hopping is awesome because it only takes 2 minutes for you to be in the next park.
3. Bathrooms at DL seem to be hidden compared to at WDW. Make sure you know where they are if you have small kids.
4. There are NO fast passes for Toy Story Mania.
5. Pirates & Small World at DL are way better that WDW.
6. The monorail is more of a ride than a form of transportation. It has a stop in the park, so you have to have a park ticket if you board in Downtown Disney.
7. The DL dining plan is NOT the WDW dining plan. Better to pay out of pocket.

My family fought me tooth & nail about going to DL, but now they are all asking to go back. They were almost disappointed to here we were going because they were afraid they weren't going to like it.

World of Color was amazing.

Have a great time & feel free to ask questions.

Sarah

 

[DISNEYFOURME]

Thanks all for the info, discount codes and words of encouragement! While we are comfy using the ME, it too has its draw backs of stopping at a bunch of disney resorts before getting to ours. But as I said earlier, we are just use to it all. However, the idea of this trip is to do something different while still getting our Disney "fix". We are thrilled to try out the one bedroom at VGC as we have only used our DVC membership for studio stays before and the idea of being footsteps away from everything is a big plus! We are staying longer than needed (8 nights), from what I hear, but plan on actually relaxing while on this trip as well. I look forward to posting more questions as I go and getting some wonderful input! Thanks again!

 

[MelissathePooh]

We just stayed 7 nights in a studio at VGC and really enjoyed ourselves. We took the Disneyland Resort Express ($99 for party of 5) and were please with it. We had lucky timing as it pulled up the second after we grabbed our bags at LAX, but it still would have been fine if we had to wait for the next one. They were a litte late on the way out, but nothing major. The ticket agent is at DLH - we didn't even show our online confirmation/receipt until we stopped there - same thing on the way home. Bus ride was around 45 min each way.

VGC are beautiful - very elegant. I wish we could have stayed in a 1 bedroom, but they were booked up and the waitlist never came through. One thing that is nice is the villa location. Just a bit down the walkway from the lobby to the right. From what I could tell you'll either have a view of the pool or the Paradise Pier park section. We had the pier view on the 2nd floor.

There are only 48 2bdroom equivalents so its a particularly small section of the resort. You're close to the pool. The walk to the park entrance and DD entrance isn't bad - through the lobby for both (or across the pool for DCA). The counter service isn't particularly convenient for a quick run, but not bad either.

We used Vons for a grocery delivery - 1st time orders were free delivery. They were about 3 hours late and the cheese was molded, but prices were actually fairly reasonable. If I had a 1 bedroom I'd definitely get some essentials (we're used to 1 beds at WDW though and do alot of eating in the room). We found the prices to be a bit higher at DLR for food and drinks epspecially. They have Coke Zero at most places though!!!!

I was not a fan of the sinks or the bathroom doors. Much like BLT the sink is set so high and far back that its impossible for small kids to reach it without help. The bathroom door is a slider that was difficult to lock. There is also a TON of turnover at the Grand Californian. That was a major difference and noticeable. The lobby was always busy and people were checking in and out constantly. I think that stems so much from DLR being more of a couple of night stay/weekend stay location and WDW being week or longer.

We loved it overall and will go back without a doubt. Hope that helps some!

 

[DISNEYFOURME]

We used Vons for a grocery delivery - 1st time orders were free delivery. They were about 3 hours late and the cheese was molded, but prices were actually fairly reasonable. If I had a 1 bedroom I'd definitely get some essentials (we're used to 1 beds at WDW though and do alot of eating in the room). We found the prices to be a bit higher at DLR for food and drinks epspecially. They have Coke Zero at most places though!!!!

Thanks for the great info.. haven't even begun to inquire about food delivery. Typically we used Garden Grocer.. I will have to look in to Vons (and request non-moldy cheese! lol!). My DH will be thrilled about Coke Zero for sure!!

Thanks again.. always great to read others' input!

 

[sierranevada]

If you will be at DL for 8 nights, I would suggest looking into a cheap car rental. There is a lot to do in Southern California and you should take advantage of a long stay.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I don't know if this will help, but it's definitely helping me and my boyfriend. It's a coupon for $5 off per person each way or round trip on the Disneyland Express!

http://www.anaheimoc.org/banner_admin/ads/8/DisResortExpress_10_v1.gif

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Oops! Double post!

 

[Tink91]

We love the trip from LAX to DLR! (I know, we're a little weird.) We love reading the freeway signs to famous places, seeing landmark buildings, and when we see Knott's Berry Farm, we know we're almost there, and the excitement is palpable!

s

Last time we were heading back to the airport I fell asleep on the lady sitting next to me, was quite embarassing.

 

[jls886]

or Super Shuttle. We are flying into Orange County and were able to get a better deal using a promo code for Super Shuttle. The one we used is:

UYR59

If you decide on the DL express I found the best rates through get away today if your party is small. If it's larger there is a family package deal on the link above.

Thanks for that code! It takes $5 off of one-way trips and $10 off of roundtrips! For our family of 4 that was a great savings!

 

[ter-moo]

If you will be at DL for 8 nights, I would suggest looking into a cheap car rental. There is a lot to do in Southern California and you should take advantage of a long stay.

I agree with this! If you are comfortable driving in L.A., having a car would be a GREAT option (and might end up being close to the price of many other transportation alternatives since there are four of you.)

Hotwire.com is a great place to find cheap car rentals or look for rental car codes on rentalcodes.com and then try applying them on the various car sites. You've got time, and if prices go down, there's no penalty to cancel your car and change it.

Parking is free at the resorts (so I believe it would be for the Villas, too). It's part of the resort fee that you pay regardless.

 

[disney11fan]

no free transportation like disney world to resort hotels.

how long does it tae to get from lax to dl hotels.


are there value hotels like wdw?

rate during summer at pop is $82 a night + taxes.


free dinning avail and pretty good food by the way,when package booked.


does dl offer free dinning like wdw and are hotels at dl also $82 a nite like the value resorts.


free transportation to parks.


pls help, might like to try dl but don't know all the ins and outs.

 

[DISNEYFOURME]

I agree with this! If you are comfortable driving in L.A., having a car would be a GREAT option (and might end up being close to the price of many other transportation alternatives since there are four of you.)

I think that would be a great idea as I am sure there are tons of things to do besides Disney but my dh is too intimidated by the LA traffic and getting lost..lol!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

no free transportation like disney world to resort hotels.

how long does it tae to get from lax to dl hotels.


are there value hotels like wdw?

rate during summer at pop is $82 a night + taxes.


free dinning avail and pretty good food by the way,when package booked.


does dl offer free dinning like wdw and are hotels at dl also $82 a nite like the value resorts.


free transportation to parks.


pls help, might like to try dl but don't know all the ins and outs.

Of the three DL hotels Paradise Pier is the least expensive, however I've never stayed there. There really isn't enough perks to warrent forking out the dough when a good neighbor hotel is closer to the main gates and less expensive. (IMO).

No free dining plan, it's not worth the effort to get the dining plan either. If you're not carful, you could lose money. It's not like WDW where you get a snack credit or table credit. DL's dinning are voucher with a dollar amount on them, but if you only spend $4 of a $5 voucher you don't get the change. They do offer a character breakfast voucher, but be sure to use it at the more expensive breakfasts or you'll lose money there too.

 

[Hound 109]

I agree that renting a car for one week is a great idea. If staying a week, you can go into the parks each morning & ride & collect FPs in uncrowded bliss. Then on 3 (or 4) of the mid days, you can:

- check out a beach.
- Go to Laguna or Newport.
- Maybe to SD (or Del Mar....or Legoland) for a couple of hours.
- or LA (if you dare )

Heading south or to the beach (late morning) wouldn't be bad. Then each night, return to the parks with your FPs.... ride some rides & enjoy your evening at Walt's park.

no free transportation like disney world to resort hotels.

how long does it tae to get from lax to dl hotels.


are there value hotels like wdw?

rate during summer at pop is $82 a night + taxes.


free dinning avail and pretty good food by the way,when package booked.


does dl offer free dinning like wdw and are hotels at dl also $82 a nite like the value resorts.


free transportation to parks.


pls help, might like to try dl but don't know all the ins and outs.

The answer to most of the questions is no.....& the Castle is really small too.


DLR is nothing like WDW (but in many ways far superior)....here's the primer:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599