Overwhelmed newbie

[aliceinoz]

Hi there
I will hopefully be visiting DL in Oct with my 2 boys (6/8yrs). I have so many questions and so far, have found lots of answers here - thanks!
But first of all, I think I need to work out how many days and where to stay. I have quiet a few Anaheim hotels on my list to get quotes on, but I am not sure if we should stay in Anaheim for the full duration or spend a few days in San Diego as well. Appart from DL, our other must sees are Legoland and Seaworld. As we are from Australia and I am the only adult, I would be too nervous to drive to San Diego. We would need to either stay there for 2-3 days or just do day trips from Anaheim. I like the idea of staying in the one place and not having to change hotels. But the travelling to/from, along with the limited time at the parks doesn't sound ideal either. Any thoughts?
Also, how many days do we really need for DL? 4 days for both parks ok?
Will we need to have rest days in between? Or will going back to the hotel in the afternoons be enough?
Do you think it will be warm enought to swim in Oct? This may help me with my hotel decision.
Thanks so much for any advice you can send my way. I am feeling so excited, yet very overwhelmed!

 

[Tommy_B]

Early to mid October can be the nicest weather, as it gets later it will cool down.

For a hotel, you might look at the Residence Inn. It is a suite hotel with a kitchen so you could prepare some meals in. The rate also includes a breakfast every morning. It is walkable, but there is also a shuttle for a nominal fee.

Three days should be plenty for the Disney parks.

Given that you aren't driving, I would probably do organized tours from Anaheim with a company like Gray Line. I think that is easier than changing hotels, especially since you are not driving.

http://coachamerica.com/graylineanaheim/tours_ana.cfm

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

You can do Disney in 3 days, but we have really enjoyed the times when we took 5 days and had time to slow down once in a while and do things like people-watch, pin trade, shop, or watch a musical performance or show we might not otherwise have been able to fit in. We like to tour in the morning, take long afternoon breaks, and then go back for the evening, so stretching our visit out works well for us.

 

[amym2]

We were just there last week and this worked well for us:

We flew into San Diego and spent 3 nights there at the Residence Inn Mission Valley on Hotel Circle. We had a family suite- one room with bunkbeds and another with a queen (or it might have been a king), separated by a full kitchen/living area. The hotel had a fantastic breakfast and was convenient to everything. We did Legoland one day (about 45 min from SD), the zoo one day, and the beach one day. We didn't do SeaWorld, but it was maybe 10 min from the hotel.

We drove from SD to Anaheim (1 1/2 hours) and spent 4 nights there at the HOJO. The kids (ours are 6 and 8 also) LOVED the pirate splash pool and it was great being able to sit and watch them and not swim. There was a hot tub right there also. We stayed in a kids' suite- again a separate room with bunkbeds, this time a second bathroom as well. There's no living room/kitchen, but the second bedroom has a mini fridge and microwave. The little market at the hotel had lots of food to purchase (no free breakfast). Our only complaint was the freeway noise. It didn't bother DH or the kids but it kept me up. Otherwise the HOJO was great and probably only an 8-10 min walk to the parks. There are lots of food options right there as well (Mimi's, Millie's, McDonald's). We spent 3 days at Disneyland and felt like we did everything we wanted to. Honestly by the last day we were so tired and ready to go home! The next day we drove back to SD to catch our flight home.

As far as transportation, I'm not sure how feasible this is without driving. The Disneyland portion you would be just fine, but I'm not sure how you'd get around San Diego. While it might seem scary to drive here, and of course there's the driving on the opposite side of the road issue, I think you might be happier having a car. There's not really a convenient public transportation option in San Diego, so you'd probably have to rely on taxis. Something to consider!

 

[Flitterific]

You can do Disney in 3 days, but we have really enjoyed the times when we took 5 days and had time to slow down once in a while and do things like people-watch, pin trade, shop, or watch a musical performance or show we might not otherwise have been able to fit in. We like to tour in the morning, take long afternoon breaks, and then go back for the evening, so stretching our visit out works well for us.

I agree with longtimedisneylurker. DLR is doable in 3 days but 5 days is a lot more enjoyable and gives you plenty of time to catch all the different shows (i.e. parades, Aladdin...I think it's staying for a while, fireworks, Fantasmic, and WoC). It allows you to do your favorite attractions more than once and to take breaks in the afternoons without feeling strapped for time.

 

[Aust]

We did the trip from Australia about 2 1/2 years ago when our kids were 3 and 6, in early October. It was definitely hot enough to swim, actually we were surprised how warm it was, so I'd definitely recommend a hotel with a pool. We stayed at DLH which was good but pricey, I'm going again in January (without kids and husband) with my sister and neice and we are staying at HoJo's which always gets good reviews on here, plus it has a great pool area and is much cheaper than DLH!

I'd stay longer than you think you need to. We had 10 nights - 3 days we did day trips with Grayline to Seaworld, Universal and an LA tour - then had about 6 1/2 days at DL. Having the extra days at DL allowed us to not have to race around to fit everything in, but saying that we still only went on most rides once only and missed out on some stuff completely.

As we only had the one day in San Diego at Seaworld we did the day tour, it was tiring as it was a 2 hr trip each way and an early start/late finish. If I were spending more than 1 day in that area I'd probably stay there. I'm not sure where Legoland is though, i think it's quite close to Anaheim? in that case I'd probably do 2 day trips from Anaheim.

The kids (and us) got really tired, especially the days we had to be up early to get on the coach for the tours. I didn't factor in enough rest time, so if you can add in maybe one day where you take a complete break, or at least don't need to be up early, that would be great. It's a tiring trip when you factor in the 14 hr flight, jetlag, so much walking and early starts.

When you are looking for your hotel deal etc make sure you shop around, the first trip we booked everything through a travel agent which was convenient but more expensive, this time I've found expedia.com.au has been really good for cheaper hotel deals, and especially the DL park hopper passes, the 14 day pass was $40 cheaper on here than through a travel agent.

It is overwhelming but there is heaps of great info on these boards.

 

[amym2]

Forgot to mention that as far as weather, it was chilly when we were there last week, so you just never know! The sun did come out for a few hours a day in Anaheim and the kids were able to swim, but we didn't swim while in San Diego. I do think some of the pools in the area are heated, but not sure if that was the case at either of our hotels.

 

[aliceinoz]

thank you so much for your quick and informative replies
Ok, this is what I am thinking. Stay the whole time in Anaheim.
Arrive Sun Night
Mon DL
Tues DL
Wed rest day
Thurs DL
Fri DL
Sat SeaWorld
Sun Legoland
Mon Rest day
Tues DL
Wed go home

Rest days will either be shopping, swimming, resting or finding something else to do. I want to do San Diego on the weekends. I know the parks will be busy, but the traffic will be better.
I think we will have plenty of time for DL and if we have extra time, then we will just double up on our favourite rides. It will be many many many years before we get this opportunity again!
We will be flying in and out of LAX but don't think I want to include that area. I think the boys would prefer more time in DL.
Thanks again. Oh and I will check out the hotel recs as well!

 

[Gwendolyn]

You should check www.greyhound.com they offer regular bus services all over the USA. Its cheap and it appears to bring you everywhere.

 

[amym2]

thank you so much for your quick and informative replies
Ok, this is what I am thinking. Stay the whole time in Anaheim.
Arrive Sun Night
Mon DL
Tues DL
Wed rest day
Thurs DL
Fri DL
Sat SeaWorld
Sun Legoland
Mon Rest day
Tues DL
Wed go home

Rest days will either be shopping, swimming, resting or finding something else to do. I want to do San Diego on the weekends. I know the parks will be busy, but the traffic will be better.
I think we will have plenty of time for DL and if we have extra time, then we will just double up on our favourite rides. It will be many many many years before we get this opportunity again!
We will be flying in and out of LAX but don't think I want to include that area. I think the boys would prefer more time in DL.
Thanks again. Oh and I will check out the hotel recs as well!

It definitely makes sense to do San Diego on the weekend to miss traffic, but my concern might be that with having to take the bus to Sea World and Legoland on consecutive days, you will be exhausted, if as a pp mentioned that means an early departure and late arrival back in Anaheim. You might want to think about moving Legoland to Monday (I think it's open Mondays in October, but you'd want to check) since it's not as long a trip. I'm sure you're going to have a fantastic time!

 

[NVDisMom]

Early to mid October can be the nicest weather, as it gets later it will cool down.

For a hotel, you might look at the Residence Inn. It is a suite hotel with a kitchen so you could prepare some meals in. The rate also includes a breakfast every morning. It is walkable, but there is also a shuttle for a nominal fee.

Three days should be plenty for the Disney parks.

Given that you aren't driving, I would probably do organized tours from Anaheim with a company like Gray Line. I think that is easier than changing hotels, especially since you are not driving.

http://coachamerica.com/graylineanaheim/tours_ana.cfm

I would agree with this overall with the exception of three days in Disney. Yes, it can be done, but you will be able to see more, enjoy it more thoroughly (as in the smaller details and delights), and set a more relaxing pace if you give yourselves five days. Plan on being there for park opening each day, build in long afternoon breaks, and then be ready and rested for a different night time entertainment each evening.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

I can understand your feelings of being overwhelmed, I felt the same way too. But there is so much information on this site to help you along, you'll be a pro at planning this trip in no time!!

 

[DisSarahK]

We did Disneyland in three days in 2008 and had a wonderful trip--it ws the perfect amount of time for our children (2 and 4 at the time). With that said, we skipped most of California Adventure (really didn't care for the ambiance there) and didn't do the scary rides in DL. This time we're spending four days, but that is because the flights were less expensive if I stretched the trip out by a day.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Perhaps you could drive ~ I did it last July, we were based in San Diego - drove up to Legoland and from there to Anaheim and back to San Diego again ~ I was the only driver! You can check out my mini trip report here if you'd like to *~*~*~*

 

[JeannieNM]

I would highly recommend staying part of the time in San Diego. I would do at least 3 days there. 2 days in Seaworld and one day at the beach or the zoo. Then drive up to Legoland and stay there for a night maybe do two days there even. Then head up to DL for the remainder of the trip. Driving is not bad at all. We have done both DLR parks in one day and we have done it with great ease in 3 days. We have also stayed for 5 days but found we did more in 3 days then we did in 5. I would not base in Anaheim, you have come to far to not to see San Diego.

Jean

 

[wdwfan22]

thank you so much for your quick and informative replies
Ok, this is what I am thinking. Stay the whole time in Anaheim.
Arrive Sun Night
Mon DL
Tues DL
Wed rest day
Thurs DL
Fri DL
Sat SeaWorld
Sun Legoland
Mon Rest day
Tues DL
Wed go home

Rest days will either be shopping, swimming, resting or finding something else to do. I want to do San Diego on the weekends. I know the parks will be busy, but the traffic will be better.
I think we will have plenty of time for DL and if we have extra time, then we will just double up on our favourite rides. It will be many many many years before we get this opportunity again!
We will be flying in and out of LAX but don't think I want to include that area. I think the boys would prefer more time in DL.
Thanks again. Oh and I will check out the hotel recs as well!

I think that sounds like a great plan. If you don't want to drive, then don't. You will have fun relaxing and letting someone else drive. Also, I happen to agree with not changing hotels. That can be a pain to pack up and move with 2 kids. But doing what feels right to you is what's important.

I always find it's best to have a plan, but then be ok with changing things up when we are there. You could always add time at DL on your days off if you don't feel like you have enough time there. Say, just go over for the fireworks or for the parade.

Be sure to price Howard Johnson's. they have great prices. Be sure to look at the Entertainment rates.

Have a great time.

 

[jodeja]

I have done a Disneyland/Legoland trip twice with a situation very similar to yours: it was just me + my 2 boys and I did not want to drive.

The first time we stayed 5 days at the Residence Inn Maingate that a PP mentioned. Then we took Amtrak down to Carlsbad. We stayed 2 nights at Grand Pacific Palisades to go to Legoland for 2 days. We did not go to Sea World, but looking at the Amtrak schedule they do have service directly to Sea World.
 Pros of the changing hotels plan: (we have actually done this plan twice, once with just me + boys and once with me + boys + my parents):
o It was fun to take the train! Half of the ride is right along the ocean. It was barely over an hour train ride so I thought it was the perfect length of time to enjoy the ride without being too long.
o We really liked the hotel in Carlsbad for the most part. It is very family friendly with a great pool area for the kids. It is easy walking distance to Legoland.
o You do have some flexibility with the timing because Amtrak runs several trains from ANA (Anaheim station) to OSD (Oceanside station – the one closest to Legoland) several times per day.
 Cons of this plan:
o While the Amtrak ride was easy and fun, we had to take a cab from the Anaheim hotel to the Anaheim Amtrak station and then take a cab from the Oceanside Amtrak station to the Carlsbad hotel. This of course added to the cost and was a slight hassle with all of our luggage.
o While we liked the Grand Pacific Palisades hotel, it can be expensive at times – just depends on the price at the time. The trip I am describing here it was expensive, we went again another time and it wasn’t that bad. We also didn’t love the food at the hotel. Only one restaurant on site and no restaurants in walking distance. The hotel does have a complimentary shuttle that will take you a mile or two but service can be spotty (like not running during times it is supposed to be). We had the cab stop off at a grocery store and we ran in and grabbed some snacks to have in the hotel room with us and made sure we got a room with a microwave and small refrigerator.
o It does take time to move hotels: packing, unpacking, checking in, etc. Also, you would have to revise your proposed schedule to make all of your Disneyland days in a row and then your LL/SW days in a row. (Right now you have DL then LL/SW then another DL day.)

This year we stayed at Disneyland Hotel for our entire trip of 5 nights/6 days. Two days in a row we took the GrayLine bus to Legoland.
 Pros of the single hotel plan:
o Cheaper and easier because there were no taxis to deal with. The bus picked us up at our hotel and brought us right back. This made it cheaper than the total cost of using Amtrak (the train ride itself is cheaper than the GrayLine tour, but the total trip is more after you factor in the taxis.) I also felt that this made the trip more relaxing than the taxi-train-taxi ride.
o Avoid the hassle of changing hotels. Re-packing and unpacking and hauling our luggage and checking-in, etc.
o Could possibly allow you to get a better hotel rate by staying longer at the same hotel (we had the 5-for-3 deal at the Disneyland Hotel which we wouldn’t have been able to get had we changed hotels causing us to stay less than 5 nights.)
o The bus was comfortable. On the first day the driver played a movie for the kids and then a different movie on the way back. The next day the driver who took us to Legoland narrated interesting facts about the area. On the way back that day we had a different driver and he did not play a movie or do any narration. The boys had their DSs so they played video games until we struck up conversation with a nice family sitting near us and then we just visited most of the ride back. Very pleasant.
o While we did have to get up early to catch the bus, our days we did Legoland we were actually in bed earlier than the days we were at Disneyland until midnight! So, I didn’t personally find taking the bus down there and back exhausting at all.
 Cons of this plan:
o No control over the schedule. The pick up/drop off times are set and there is only one option.
o Can’t run back to the hotel for a mid-day break or if you forget something.
o You are kind of stuck there once they drop you off. Since my boys have been to Legoland several times before, we found ourselves on the second day kind of wishing that we didn’t have a whole entire second day to spend there but we had no way to go back to Disneyland sooner (save spending more money). You won’t have this problem though, as you are doing 1 day at Legoland and 1 at Sea World.

Hope this helps!

 

[Mary09]

I'm not sure if you get to CA much but I'd look into the Southern California City Pass sold at Costco and elsewhere. If I had a week, I'd spend 2 days at Disney and the rest at Sea World, San Diego Zoo and other SoCal sites. I would also move hotels because Anaheim is no resort town. It's even kind of seedy and industrial. San Diego and Carlsbad both are resort cities. The drive from LA to SD isn't bad at all. It's even kind of nice down time and you can drive down the coast to SD, I think. Then you'll see plenty of ocean and beach towns and ocean front mansions. In San Diego I love the Doubletree on Hotel Circle.