Planning 4th of July 2012 trip (SD hotel suggestions?)

[BuzzBiteyear]

We're currently planning a trip for next year around the 4th of July. First question we have is how busy it gets around the 4th (perhaps comparisons to WDW crowds)? And the other thing we're wondering is if there are fireworks in the LA/Anaheim area for the public that might be on the beach with fireworks out in the ocean?

Been surprised how difficult this seems to be to plan, but I guess we are looking at doing quite a few things: 3 days Disneyland/California Adventure, 2 days Lego Land, 1 day San Diego Zoo, Dodgers game, Angels game, and Padres game.

 

[skiingfast]

Its the busiest time of summer. But WDW is worse. That doesn't mean DLR will be uncrowded but it's better. However this summer Disney California is having a grand reopening of sorts. A new entry street and Carsland. If this comes late near your dates it will be insane. But that is not a known just a risk. Obviously this trip will have to be based on the home games of those Basball teams, but you will do much better visiting the parks midweek.

There are a lot of fireworks in the area, though many hotels around DLR offer views of the DL fireworks that may be a simpler and better option than driving in a foreign area.

2 days at Legoland may be too much. If you have young kids it's ok, older kids probably not.

Depending on how the BB games work out try staying in SD for LL, SDZ and the Pods, in Anaheim for DL, the angels and dodgers.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

Yeah, we have a 7 y/o who is a Lego fanatic. Being from the Midwest, we're thinking fireworks by the ocean may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, but figuring on ridiculous traffic and crowds. Good to hear on the DLR crowds, we've been to WDW in June, New Year's and last Christmas, so we've seen it at its busiest.

Right now we're looking at this:

Sat., June 30 - fly in to LAX, stay in Anaheim
Sun., July 1 - DL/CA
Mon., July 2 - LegoLand
Tues., July 3 - DL/CA
Wed., July 4 - Reds @ Dodgers, fireworks somewhere
Thurs., July 5 - Orioles @ Angels
Fri., July 6 - LegoLand, drive to San Diego
Sat., July 7 - Reds @ Padres
Sun., July 8 - San Diego Zoo, drive to Anaheim
Mon., July 9 - DL/CA
Tues., July 10 - fly home

I'm assuming the game on the 4th will be a day game, which would mean no fireworks at Dodger Stadium, as that is the last game of the series, and the Reds play the Padres the next night. The other thing is based on the fares I'm seeing we'll be wanting to fly to and from LAX. Also, the consensus was everyone wanted to end the trip with DL/CA.

Problem I was having were the games, as I am trying to visit all the MLB parks with my boys with the added "challenge" of trying to see the Reds in all the NL parks. So we had Reds @ Dodgers - July 2-4; Reds @ Padres - July 5-8; while the Angels only have one series at home during this period vs the Orioles July 5-8 also.

Sure hoping CarsLand opens in June or earlier. We've been talking of making our return trip to Southern California since we heard about it, as DS4 is a big Cars fan and this will be his first time to DL. Then when I saw the MLB schedules, I figured we'll risk it this year, as it's been a few years since the Reds played at the Dodgers and Padres during the same road trip.

 

[skiingfast]

The only thing I'd suggest is arrive and go to Carlsebad first to LL. Then do DLR twice in a row . Just to cut down on driving. Otherwise the ball games are determining the schedule.

It will be good to finish at DLR.


For Legoland you might want to run some numbers.
A second day is cheap.
The APs are cheap and have some benefits.
In Legoclub magazine they have coupons for Buy and adult get a child free tickets. They may go to being regional and you may get ones for Florida since the Orlando LL just opened.


There are so many fireworks in the huge expanse of LA. It would be nice to hear from a local where a show will be over the water.

 

[carnival kid]

We were in Anaheim on 4th July this year

We decided to avoid DL on the actual day but were there days before and days after.... crowds were not TOO bad. Crowded yes but still ok.

We went to a dodgers vs mets game at dodgers stadium on the 4th. We drove from anaheim and the traffic was not too bad at all. We arrived too early and the carpark was not open yet so did some driving around the area.

After the game they allowed fans onto the actual field to watch the fireworks. But you had to line up really early to get on and alot of people missed out.. they closed the gates when they had enough.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

We were thinking LegoLand would only be an hour from Anaheim, but I think I'm liking your suggestion about driving down there the day we fly in. That way we can hit it for certain first thing and not have to get up as early.

Also, looking some more and we may just switch the SD Zoo to Saturday and the Reds @ Padres to Sunday, which even with it being before the All-Star break I would guess is going to be an early game, and worst case scenario would be a 5:00 game for Sunday Night Baseball. That way we could definitely be back to Anaheim at a decent time ready to go all out for our final day at DL/CA.

 

[skiingfast]

We were thinking LegoLand would only be an hour from Anaheim, but I think I'm liking your suggestion about driving down there the day we fly in. That way we can hit it for certain first thing and not have to get up as early.

Also, looking some more and we may just switch the SD Zoo to Saturday and the Reds @ Padres to Sunday, which even with it being before the All-Star break I would guess is going to be an early game, and worst case scenario would be a 5:00 game for Sunday Night Baseball. That way we could definitely be back to Anaheim at a decent time ready to go all out for our final day at DL/CA.

Drive time for all locations LA and SD depends greatly on time of day. Traffic is a big deal there. 7-10am bad, 3-7 pm bad.

I think your planning is well founded and it'll be great trip. Remember you don't have to get hotels and tickets so far out. So you sould be able to get your hotels nailed down when you see final schedules and know the times of games.

While LAX is often cheapest to fly to and from, also consider LGB and SNA.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

DD & I were there for the 4th *and 3rd, 5th & 6th* in 2009 - we had a fantastic time. Crowds were low to minimal *yes the evening of the 4th was a bit tight - but the rest of the time *especially early morning* was practically perfect! We couldn't be there this year for the 4th and next year we're planning on WDW in October but maybe we'll be back over the 4th for 2013 *DD's B-day is 7/3

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

Wow, I'm not liking what I'm seeing as I price out this vacation, lol. Anyone stay at the Courtyard near Disneyland? Just wondering how that is. Also, now looking for hotels around Carlsbad and San Diego.

Does anyone know if I book a vacation package thru the Disney website with one of the friendly neighbors, or whatever they're called, can I use my Disney Rewards and/or Disney Gift Cards for payments?

Thanks again.

 

[cyclenut]

Yeah, we have a 7 y/o who is a Lego fanatic. Being from the Midwest, we're thinking fireworks by the ocean may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, but figuring on ridiculous traffic and crowds. Good to hear on the DLR crowds, we've been to WDW in June, New Year's and last Christmas, so we've seen it at its busiest.

Right now we're looking at this:

Sat., June 30 - fly in to LAX, stay in Anaheim
Sun., July 1 - DL/CA
Mon., July 2 - LegoLand
Tues., July 3 - DL/CA
Wed., July 4 - Reds @ Dodgers, fireworks somewhere
Thurs., July 5 - Orioles @ Angels
Fri., July 6 - LegoLand, drive to San Diego
Sat., July 7 - Reds @ Padres
Sun., July 8 - San Diego Zoo, drive to Anaheim
Mon., July 9 - DL/CA
Tues., July 10 - fly home

I'm assuming the game on the 4th will be a day game, which would mean no fireworks at Dodger Stadium, as that is the last game of the series, and the Reds play the Padres the next night. The other thing is based on the fares I'm seeing we'll be wanting to fly to and from LAX. Also, the consensus was everyone wanted to end the trip with DL/CA.

Problem I was having were the games, as I am trying to visit all the MLB parks with my boys with the added "challenge" of trying to see the Reds in all the NL parks. So we had Reds @ Dodgers - July 2-4; Reds @ Padres - July 5-8; while the Angels only have one series at home during this period vs the Orioles July 5-8 also.

Sure hoping CarsLand opens in June or earlier. We've been talking of making our return trip to Southern California since we heard about it, as DS4 is a big Cars fan and this will be his first time to DL. Then when I saw the MLB schedules, I figured we'll risk it this year, as it's been a few years since the Reds played at the Dodgers and Padres during the same road trip.

You might want to check out the Angels for fireworks. They always have an Independance Day fireworks show. When they don't have a home game on the 4th, they have fireworks on another day and they always have Friday night fireworks. They might do fireworks after the game on 7/5 and will likely do them on 7/6 as well. Consider this when planning your trip.

Queen Mary has a great fireworks show that I think costs around $15 but each show is subject to budget and fundraising each year so not all shows are "annual". The Santa Monica Pier also has fireworks, but again ... not every year. Closer to DL is Huntington Beach where they have held fireworks off the pier, but as before, it depends on funding and I haven't heard if they are doing it for 2012 or not. You can see what they did last year here (http://www.hb4thofjuly.org/?p=748). The crowds in HB are pretty crazy. It is a party atmosphere from early morning into the night but there are a lot of families too.

Just about anywhere you want to go to see fireworks over the ocean is going to be pretty crowded. It's difficult to make a specific recommendation.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

Been a while, but finally getting this thing locked down. Main question I have now is if anyone has stayed at the Best Western in Santee? Seems to get decent reviews.

Am I also reading correctly that for ADRs at DLR, you must call, and it is 60 days out?


We have our scheduled pretty locked in now with:

Sat, June 30 - fly in to John Wayne (thank you for the suggestion on this), drive to San Diego area
Sun, July 1 - San Diego Zoo
Mon, July 2 - Legoland, drive to Anaheim, check in to Ramada Plaza Anaheim
Tues, July 3 - Disneyland/California Adventure
Wed, July 4 - Reds @ Dodgers (1st row in rightfield corner purchased)
Thurs, July 5 - Disneyland/California Adventure
Fri, July 6 - Legoland
Sat, July 7 - Orioles @ Angels (club level seats purchased)
Sun, July 8 - Reds @ Padres (1st row in rightfield)
Mon, July 9 - Disneyland/California Adventure
Tues, July 10 - fly out of John Wayne

Earlier I made the comment about prices, but I'll tell you what, baseball tickets apparently are the exception. We're Reds fans, and my 8 y/o loves Jay Bruce and is so excited about sitting in the first row near him in the field. And the club level seats at the Angels were the cheapest of all, about 1/3 face value! The Padres we just under, and the Dodgers were right around face as well. We had looked into fireworks on the ocean before, but started having second thoughts, then we saw the Dodgers game is a night game, and will have post-game anyways. I'm guessing they'll put on a nice show for the 4th.

My 8 y/o also asked about the aquarium in California, which I figured out was Sea World. But when I told him we could go, but we'd only go 1 day to Legoland, suddenly that wasn't of interest to him.

Anyways, at this point we have our airfare coming back, our rental car, and the baseball tickets paid for. We have our Anaheim hotel reserved. Now to find the airfare out, find a San Diego hotel, and purchase the SD Zoo tickets. Going to try to exchange some of our non-expiring WDW park hoppers when we get there, an email from DLR said that is a possibility. Also, going to have to wait on Legoland tickets, as we have some of the coupons for free kids admission.

Really looking forward to this trip, and glad how the schedule worked out. I think for the most part we'll be at baseball games on the days that will be most busy at DLR and Legoland. Plus we have the 3 days for DLR spread out pretty well.

Only 144 more days

 

[skiingfast]

Yes on the reservations 60 days out.

I think 8yo may like a day at Seaworld better than a day at Legoland. Might want to rethink that.

Yes, you take your non expired WDW ticket to the DLR turnstyles, and they trade 1 day at a time for a DL ticket. PH for PH or 1 park per day for 1 park per day.

When you are just about to go, you may want to ask if locals in SD know of deals for LL or my suggestion to SW. Sometimes they come on fast food cups or coke cans.

 

[sonnyjane]

Been a while, but finally getting this thing locked down. Main question I have now is if anyone has stayed at the Best Western in Santee? Seems to get decent reviews.

Hey...not sure if you know this or not, but Santee is like 30 minutes in the opposite direction of where you want to be? If you're just going to the zoo, why not stay somewhere near the zoo, and not 30 minutes inland? There are tons of hotels in the area.

Also, I'm not sure why you're breaking up your Legoland days? The drive to Legoland is about an hour from Anaheim (and that's without traffic), so why make two separate drives rather than stay overnight at a hotel in Carlsbad near Legoland?

ETA: I see in your earlier post that you are already aware of how far away Legoland is from Disneyland. That said, I would still try to just stay down there overnight to cut back on driving. Maybe land up north, drive down to San Diego, then drive up to Carlsbad the next day and stay overnight for your two days at Legoland. Then after ALL your San Diego/Legoland stuff, just check-in in Anaheim and stay there.

Just trying to save you some gas money...

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

I may have to work on him some more, but he's a huge Lego fan and Legoland is what he's most looking forward to doing in California.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

The boss said she doesn't want to be checking in and out of hotels. At one point I was looking at four separate reservations. Big thing for looking at Santee is location and cost. I guess it's what we're used to, to do anything, we pretty much have to drive an hour. So we're looking for a north San Diego area hotel for our first two nights. I think the Santee one was under $150 for the two nights total.

 

[sonnyjane]

The boss said she doesn't want to be checking in and out of hotels. At one point I was looking at four separate reservations. Big thing for looking at Santee is location and cost. I guess it's what we're used to, to do anything, we pretty much have to drive an hour. So we're looking for a north San Diego area hotel for our first two nights. I think the Santee one was under $150 for the two nights total.

I promise you I'm just trying to help. Take it from a local... The Best Western Santee is nowhere near your destination. It's quite a bit inland, whereas the attractions you plan to visit are closer to the coast. Like I said, it's about 30 minutes from the zoo and 45 minutes from Legoland. With that commute time, you should just stay in Anaheim the entire time when you consider it's 60 minutes from Anaheim to Legoland but 45 minutes from Santee. Your hotel choice just doesn't make practical sense for the places you plan to visit.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

Thanks, I'll have to check that out again. Was thinking it was going to save us about 30 minutes from DLR to Legoland and about 90 minutes to the SD Zoo. Is there much in the way of lower priced, but decent hotels nearer the coast? That's been our biggest issue with SD area hotels it seems. When I was doing some of our first searches everything seemed to be $150-ish a night or in Mexico.

 

[skiingfast]

Sounds like you have return flights booked but not for the flight there. Perhaps you should fly to SAN(San Diego).

For a hotel in SD I would look along I-5. No great hotels at great prices, but you can find La Quintas and other chains. Lots of options in Oceanside. When I was searching for Legoland area hotels for a trip about a year ago, a place came up called Lake San Marcos Resort came up. Pictures look nice, rate was good, but ratings were not as good as the pictures.

I'm not familiar with doing this in the SD area. You could do some research at betterbidding.com and try priceline. You may find a good rate on a 4 star in Carlbad, Del Mar or La Jolla.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

Wow, just saw the thread about Cars Land opening. Sure hope that's the case, DS4 wants to see where McQueen and Mater live.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

Sounds like you have return flights booked but not for the flight there. Perhaps you should fly to SAN(San Diego).

For a hotel in SD I would look along I-5. No great hotels at great prices, but you can find La Quintas and other chains. Lots of options in Oceanside. When I was searching for Legoland area hotels for a trip about a year ago, a place came up called Lake San Marcos Resort came up. Pictures look nice, rate was good, but ratings were not as good as the pictures.

I'm not familiar with doing this in the SD area. You could do some research at betterbidding.com and try priceline. You may find a good rate on a 4 star in Carlbad, Del Mar or La Jolla.

I should have looked at that more before I booked my rental car, shoot. When I first was looking at airfare, SAN was quite a bit more than the LA airports, so I just quit even looking at it, however, rates are good into there now. May have to see if a location switch is possible for the car.

I think I saw that San Marcos one, remember something like that name and pics looked good until like you, I read the reviews. Will have to try the Priceline route, guess I shouldn't worry too much in that area about safety, etc.