Planning 1st Disneyland trip

[Piglets Mommy]

Hi!
I have been to WDW about 12 times, but this will be our first "Real" Disneyland trip (went for a day in 2003, stayed offsite did NO planning )

Are crowd levels similar to WDW at the same times? what are good/bad times to go? Am I absolutely INSANE to consider going on Thanksgiving? (We would spend Thanksgiving day at the resort and avoid the parks that day)

What is your favorite on-site resort? So far, I'm thinking Disneyland Hotel, but the Grand californian sounds nice too...just not sure it's worth the extra $$$.

How is the Dining Plan? It sounds much different than the one at WDW...for those who have done it, is it worth the $$$

Anything you think I need to know would be great! TIA!

 

[bradk]

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

crowds essentially work the same way. kids out of school = crowds. the major difference is that because DLR is mostly locals, weekends are much busier throughout the year. Disneyland is smaller and was built for a time where width wasn't such a concern so it has a smaller capacity and it will definitely feel like it when it's very crowded (although i've never had the good fortune). i'd say you have your work cut out for you on thanksgiving (consider ridemax).

the onsite hotels go like this, from most expensive to least expensive:

Grand Californian - the flagship hotel. The only one actually built by Disney (same architect who did Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge). don't let that private park entrance fool you - it's to DCA only.

Disneyland Hotel - retrofitted to have a Disneyesque feel. Glow-in-the-dark Pixie Dust in the rooms, the Neverland pool, etc.

Paradise Pier - it's a hotel.

bottom line, S Harbor Boulevard is loaded with decent, much less costly motels that will get you through the night. Many of which are technically closer to the gates of the parks than the Disneyland Hotel is.

some people opt to stay on site, the only real benefit is you'll have early entry/magical morning access on every day it's offered as opposed to the standard park hopper bonus tickets which give it to you on one day - either way, not worth it according to my bank account.

the 'dining plan' is not worth it. you buy gift certificates, not credits. if your meal is more expensive, you pay the difference. if it's less, you don't get the change. some like it for 'budgeting' purposes.

 

[Hound 109]

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

crowds essentially work the same way. kids out of school = crowds. the major difference is that because DLR is mostly locals, weekends are much busier throughout the year. Disneyland is smaller and was built for a time where width wasn't such a concern so it has a smaller capacity and it will definitely feel like it when it's very crowded (although i've never had the good fortune). i'd say you have your work cut out for you on thanksgiving (consider ridemax).

the onsite hotels go like this, from most expensive to least expensive:

Grand Californian - the flagship hotel. The only one actually built by Disney (same architect who did Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge). don't let that private park entrance fool you - it's to DCA only.

Disneyland Hotel - retrofitted to have a Disneyesque feel. Glow-in-the-dark Pixie Dust in the rooms, the Neverland pool, etc.

Paradise Pier - it's a hotel.

bottom line, S Harbor Boulevard is loaded with decent, much less costly motels that will get you through the night. Many of which are technically closer to the gates of the parks than the Disneyland Hotel is.

some people opt to stay on site, the only real benefit is you'll have early entry/magical morning access on every day it's offered as opposed to the standard park hopper bonus tickets which give it to you on one day - either way, not worth it according to my bank account.

the 'dining plan' is not worth it. you buy gift certificates, not credits. if your meal is more expensive, you pay the difference. if it's less, you don't get the change. some like it for 'budgeting' purposes.

I agree with everything Brad states. A few additional thoughts:

- There is no dining plan at DLR. I've enjoyed the WDW plan...DLR is just a pre-paid plan....no benefit.
- I think you'd be nuts to plan a trip OVER Thanksgiving holiday. BUT, a DLR trip starting on Sunday (after Thanksgiving) would work very well. (A Sunday - Tuesday/Wed/Thurs trip).
- I like staying at a DLR hotel for a Sun-Tues. trip (2 nights). I probably couldn't afford more than a 2-3 night DLR hotel stay though.

& read Brad's link to the HydroGuy thread. It's ESSENTIAL reading.

Have fun planning a trip to Walt's park.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Wow! Thanks for the link, BradK! That is just what I was looking for! I'll take some time and read it and I'm sure I'll have more specific questions later. We are actually looking at going Sat. to Sat. the week of thanksgiving. We would do the parks Sun to Tues/Wed and spend Thurs-Sat at the resort with extended family, just relaxing. I was shocked at the affordability...we can do a full week at DL for less than our 5 day trip at WDW. Although I haven't gotten to airfare yet, so that could make a hugr difference....

Thank you to both of you for your input!

 

[Hound 109]

Wow! Thanks for the link, BradK! That is just what I was looking for! I'll take some time and read it and I'm sure I'll have more specific questions later. We are actually looking at going Sat. to Sat. the week of thanksgiving. We would do the parks Sun to Tues/Wed and spend Thurs-Sat at the resort with extended family, just relaxing. I was shocked at the affordability...we can do a full week at DL for less than our 5 day trip at WDW. Although I haven't gotten to airfare yet, so that could make a hugr difference....

Thank you to both of you for your input!

I thought you were planning a Thurs - Sun visit (over the holiday itself). Actually (imo) a Sat - Sat might work very well.

A big difference between WDW & DLR is that early morning is MUCH more productive touring at DL than at the WDW parks. On Sunday & on Thurs, Fri, Sat. You could still get there at rope drop & enjoy some quality touring. (& a 5 or 6 day pass is close to the cost of a 4 day). Plus you'll have EE priviledge if you're staying at the DLR hotel.

If any of the days it gets too crowded, it's an easy walk (escape) to the hotel to avoid the SoCal day trippers. But Mon - Wed i would plan on doing the most of your touring.

Like you said....after you read HydroGuy's thread you'll have more questions. But with 6-7 days you can pick the best times to enjoy the parks & the best times to pick your down times.

Enjoy the planning.