Planning a trip for June or July

[twindad2]

Good Morning!!! My family and I are planning a trip to Disneyland for June or July of this year and this will be our first time there and was wondering if someone could help me with some questions? We have been to WDW the past two years and want to do something different. Since my wife is in graduate school now, it will be impossible to do our usual Fall trip to the World. So, with me not being able to wait two long years for a return visit, we decided to go to Disneyland this summer. My questions are...

How are the crowds this time of year in comparison to WDW?

I know the park is smaller, but I feel it will give a more cozy feeling and am in no way concerned about the size.

Are the good neighbor hotels close by?

What airport should we fly into from Alabama?

Do they have transportation to the resort?

Any input you have would be much appreciated. I am looking forward to starting my trip plan and know there are some Disers out there who could help with some starting information. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[MomBoyd]

Check out the HydroGuy and **ºoº IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ: DLR FAQS - INFO, MAPS, HOTELS ºoº ** Stickies on this forum. They will be a BIG help and even include a satelite view of the parks and good neighbor hotels. Enjoy!

 

[HydroGuy]

How are the crowds this time of year in comparison to WDW?

Both are crowded in summer. But DLR has some differences as far as local day trippers and nearby hotels that can make a summer visit feel less crowded if you do it right. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

I know the park is smaller, but I feel it will give a more cozy feeling and am in no way concerned about the size.

Are the good neighbor hotels close by?

Yes, and you should stay in one of them. See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 for advice and links to nearby hotels.

What airport should we fly into from Alabama?

John Wayne is closest. Also there is Long Beach, LAX and Ontario. Depends on what is easiest for you.

Do they have transportation to the resort?

It is not as well organized as WDW. I have never used airport transportation. Others who have should chip in.

Any input you have would be much appreciated. I am looking forward to starting my trip plan and know there are some Disers out there who could help with some starting information. Thanks in advance for your help.

This thread has helped lots of WDW vets around here: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DLR29]

I went to WDW in July and DLR in August. Both were crowded. WDW more so. Basically WDW's main crowd is tourists; whereas DLR's is locals. Make sure you use FP(same as WDW) and arrive early.

The best thing about DLR that WDW doesn't have (IMO) is the size. Being able to walk to DCA or DTD (or an on/offsite hotel) within a couple minutes saves tons of time, as opposed to WDW where buses, cars, monorails, boats, etc. are relied upon (and sometimes transportation can take a long time there).

 

[mousiemom]

we are also from alabama and are planning a trip the 1st of June. just from my experience going on the websites and the dis, the best package deals i have found are thru expedia.com and travelocity because we are also flying. from mobile, we have a stop in Houston and then we are flying into john wayne airport(santa ana). they say this is a very nice airport. we have looked into greyline bus tours for our transportation. they have a 4 day unlimited ticket for $125 ea. and it includes: roundtrip to and from airport, seaworld, universal studios & hollywood tour, san diego zoo. we can walk to disneyland from hotel. i haven't made my final decision on the hotel just yet. i'm so lost because i can write a book on disney world, we went 6 times last year and i am so used to staying at pop and hopping on those buses so this will be different for us. if you have any questions feel free to ask cause i am on the board everyday finding out things.
good luck,
mousiemom

 

[MunkyMe13]

We usually stay at the Motel 6. Its inexpensive and close. The Anaheim Resort Transit or ART is close and I think is 6 dollars a day for multiple rides. DH and I go every July and its always packed. If you start early it is possible to get a lot done and quickly.