Planning first Disneyland trip

[levenhopper]

Hey gang!

I had tons of help planning my first trip to WDW in the fall, and now it's time for my first trip to Disneyland! I have some random questions, any and all opinions would be more than appreciated!

The only info I have so far: I'll be going as a vacation while I'm doing the Disney College Program (DCP) in FL this fall. I'm 24, and my friend that I'm going with is also doing the DCP with me. She's 23. She's been to DL before, but not since the remodel.

1) Since I'll be a Disney employee at the time, that'll cover our park admission. We also get a significant discount on hotels. What hotel would you recommend for a first timer to get a true DL experience without being extremely expensive (we'll still be paying for part of the hotel)? Or are we better off staying off property (if on property hotels are really expensive)?

2) Which airport should we fly into? I'm assuming LAX, but when I look at nearby airports, SNA keeps coming up. We'll be using frequent flyer miles, so pricing won't be an issue (and there are cheap mileage flights into LAX, SNA and ONT) Is there a Magical Express like there is at WDW? If not, what would be the best way to get to the parks? I'd prefer not to rent a car, but would be open to doing it if it is the best option/the only way.

3) How many days should we plan on being in the parks? We're young and don't mind being in the parks from rope drop til park close. We'd like to experience as much as we can (realizing we might not get to see it *all*). I'm initially thinking about landing in LA around 12PM on a Monday, and flying out on a red-eye around 12AM on a Friday morning...giving us 3.5 days in the parks. Is that enough? Too much?

4) When would be the best time to visit? Our program runs Aug 12-Jan 3, but obviously we can't get time off during peak times. My initial guess would be a weekday trip in mid-October or early-November. Are there other times I should be looking at?

Again, thanks in advance! I can't wait to hear what y'all think!!!

 

[Barry Browning]

Well my son is a CM here in California.Let me give you my opinions here.If money is an object you should stay across the street say Tropicana Inn so some of those on Harbor.With the discount if you can get it, theres lots of blackouts it still runs around $165 or so a night you can save $$ by staying offsite.The CMS frequent Trader Sams and House of Blues during the week you get drink discounts and they sing Karioke and party.

Food wise the food on harbor much cheaper McDonalds and others abound.I honestly think you can see the parks in a full day/night if you will single rider and fast pass.It makes a world of difference.You can do WOC show one night and Fantasmic another.

SNA here-aka John Wayne is way better and much closer and cheaper shuttle.I would recommend you take one day and go to Hollywood and see some other things.Warner Brothers is way cool, they have Harry Potter Stuff, Big Bang,Two and Half Men, Two Broke Girls.Pretty Little Liars all filmed there and the sets are there.Tell t he guide who you crave and they are likely to try and get you in.This is about a two and half hour tour.You can make Manns Theater,Hollywood Sign, Warner Brothers, and then Santa Monica Pier all in one day.You will hit rush hour here on the way back but thats part of the tour.

Let me know if you have more follow up.I would be glad to help.
Weather is amazing 78 in the daytime , chilly at night bring a sweatshirt.Way better than Florida.

 

[levenhopper]

If money is an object you should stay across the street say Tropicana Inn so some of those on Harbor. With the discount if you can get it, theres lots of blackouts it still runs around $165 or so a night you can save $$ by staying offsite.

I honestly think you can see the parks in a full day/night if you will single rider and fast pass.It makes a world of difference.You can do WOC show one night and Fantasmic another.

SNA here-aka John Wayne is way better and much closer and cheaper shuttle.I would recommend you take one day and go to Hollywood and see some other things.Warner Brothers is way cool, they have Harry Potter Stuff, Big Bang,Two and Half Men, Two Broke Girls.Pretty Little Liars all filmed there and the sets are there.Tell the guide who you crave and they are likely to try and get you in.This is about a two and half hour tour.You can make Manns Theater,Hollywood Sign, Warner Brothers, and then Santa Monica Pier all in one day.You will hit rush hour here on the way back but thats part of the tour.

Let me know if you have more follow up.I would be glad to help.
Weather is amazing 78 in the daytime , chilly at night bring a sweatshirt.Way better than Florida.

So even if a room is $165ish with the discount, split with my friend it'd be $75ish/night. Which isn't outrageous, and I think I'd rather get the full Disney experience (assuming we don't have blackout dates).

We're looking at a flight that lands on a Monday in SNA at 12:08PM, so we'd have a half day Monday. Our return flight leaves LAX at 12:20AM Friday (red eye) so we land in Orlando around 10AM. I know LAX is a bit farther, but it has the only red-eye. Ideally we'll get every day off (including the day we land), but if not we're landing early enough we'd be able to swap shifts with someone else later in the day.

So that gives us 3.5 days in the park...enough to do two full days in the park, plus it gives us 1.5 days to catch what we missed and/or head to Hollywood. If we head to Hollywood, would we need to rent a car?

Thanks so much for helping plan this trip! I'm super excited for it

 

[wolfpack1]

If you want the true Disney experience staying at the Disneyland Hotel always does it for people and they also have a wall in the lobby somewhere, where they have old Disney stuff that you can look at but again it will be cheaper if you stay off site hotels. It will just depend on money and such. For my family we have stayed at Jolly Roger, Crown Plaza and Embassy Suites. Plaza and Embassy were nice places to stay at and Embassy Suites also gave you a breakfast.

We always fly into Orange County because its closer and personally I like the airport better than LAX and my brother and I always take the Super Shuttle which is like $10 a person I believe so to me that is pretty reasonable and don't have to mess with traffic and such.

I think for the time frame for how many days there will be more than enough for you to cover everything, at least in my opinion and you wouldn't be rushed and enjoy everything. During the week during the off season there doesn't seem to be as big of a crowd as other times, we always liked visiting during the week in about middle of October where I remember I think it was a Tuesday or Wednesday where we did 11 rides in an hour and a half because there wasn't much of a crowd.

For eating I think its up to different people but one of our favorites is Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. Blue Bayou might be a fun thing to do also if you want to spend that money and can get a reservation.

Seeing World of Color and Fantastmic will also be pluses if you can get to see those. I haven't been in about three years so I couldn't tell you how California Adventure is now but if you utitlize the fastpasses that will help you with getting the most of the rides as well.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Oh to be young again . If the flights are same price wise and times work out I would fly into SNA. Much smaller airport so getting around after you land is easy.

For Taxi or shuttle service exit out the doors in the baggage claim area-- One floor down from where you land. After exiting the doors follow the crowd--across the street. You will see a sign that says Shuttles. Take the shuttle to the right -- even if there is a guy that acts like he is with blue shuttle-- trust me he isn't. I usually make my reservation on line for shuttles -- make sure you allow plenty of time for your return to the airport. Lax does take more time just getting there from Anaheim then you have the TSA lines. SNA is an easy to get through when flying out. Oh heck after 3.5 days at Disneyland you will sleep all the way home any how.

I would stay at DLH with your Cast Member discount. You are spending a lot of money for the trip do not scrimp on the hotel. Staying on property is part of the over all experience.

Downtown Disney is located to the right if Disneyland-- left of DCA-- so just a hop and jump away. If you do stay at DLH you will walk through DTD on way to hotel. You can also catch the monorail to tomorrow land-- beats the crowds for sure. Getting home is nice to if you are in the back of the park and feet are getting tired.

The food at DL is actually so much better then in years past. I do prefer the food at DCA. not the regular hot dog/ hamburger/ chips like before. Like a prior poster stated there is a McDonalds across the street from where the shuttles drop off. You would cross street the go to left for block and half. No discounts though. Just past McDonalds is mimi's they serve a mom and pop type food. The muffins are great. To the right after crossing street there is a denny's, tony roma's and one other restaurant that I forget name of. Garden Walk Shopping Center is two + blocks past the Denny's and Tony Roma's. Garden walk has Cheesecake factory, P F Changs, Bubba Gumps, a few more I forget names of. I do think the food at DTD is very good to. To help get a discount or two try getting Restaurant certificates from Restaurants.com. Sometimes you can get 25 dollar discounts for 2-5 dollars. I do know House of blues has one. Make sure you know how much you have to spend to use the discount. I think you have to spend 35 dollars to use the 25 discount. This is before tip and tax, but it does include drinks. If etither of you has a birthday one month before or after your trip be sure to sign up for Patina groups birthday certificate. You will get e-mailed a 30 dollar off coupon that if you use 30 dollars then meal is free. You pay tip and tax.

You can eat at the Blue Bayou and share a meal where for 12 dollars more they do a split plate that includes an appy and sides for both plates. There is plenty of food -- well unless you both eat big meals anyway. My sister said she spent in food for her two teenage boys what I spent in clothes for my teenage daughter. . You can not do this at WDW so I think it is a must. Make sure you wait for a table water side. Yes, I am one of those that waves to the passing boats-- sigh but it makes me happy.

By staying on property you get early morning everyday of stay . Since you are on EAST time you are gonna be awake early anyway so make it to rope drop at each park. I love to do this at DL. I get to ride all the attractions in fantasy land 2-3 times with Peter Pan 4-5 times. No eating it is just ride -- ride-- ride.

To save a bit of money-- walk to the 7-11 that is located to the right of shuttle drop off. Do not Cross Harbor blvd..walk to the right past the Candy Cane Inn. You will see a store on the corner pick up some water and pop -- ok mixer and booze to. This will save you some money V buying in the park. Calif water is not tasty to me.

I would plan for later Oct early Nov. The weather should still be good, although it does get cold in evenings -- can get freezing to.

Have a fun time-- Hope you can get the time off

 

[egritz]

1) Personally every penny adds up. Staying in the DLH once several trip ago was fun, but it really wasn't any more magical than staying off-site. I won't even spend $165 a night there when I can get a decent room on Harbour for $100 or less. That is just a decision you have to make baed on your finances. And as PP mentioned you'll get early entry every morning if you stay at the DLH. I would recommend the Ramada Maingate if you choose to stay off-site.

2) Highly recommend SNA, much smaller/easier airport and much closer to DL. You can take the Disneyland Express which is run by Greyline (and NOT free, even if staying onsite) but it can take a while waiting for passengers before leaving the airport. Then it goes to DLH for payment & passenger drop-off, then the other DL Hotels & then the Good Neighbor Hotels. If you stay on Harbour it can take a Loooong time to get to your hotel. SO My reccomendation for cheaper and quicker transportation is one of the smaller shuttles. We used Super Shuttle on several occassions and were pleased with the service.

3) For 2 young adults I think that is enough time! You'll be exhausted, but hey, you're young ;-)

4) As for timing, avoid the 3 day weekends and holidays (which will likely be a no-brainer since you'll probably not be able to get time off work). If you go after 9/13 you'll get to see DL dressed up for Halloween which is a lot of fun! Or if you go after 11/13 you'll see it done up for Christmas (though the hotels aren't decorated until Thanksgiving time).

 

[Barry Browning]

You should be able to check black out days on the hub for DLH, that was always a problem for us they only had like one out of four days, in the fall here or winter you would be much more likely to get the room you want.You would have to rent a car, not sure if DLH has a car rental but there are a bunch of them on Katella around Bubba Gumps and Cheesecake Factory.

On the other end of the hotel spectrum wife and daughter have been looking at Extended Stay Hotel it is at this area as well.It is about the only one you can find under $95 and they want to go for a couple of weeks.

Overall it really is possible here to cover the parks pretty quickly using single rider and fast pass.The ones with the biggest lines for the most part have single rider.The racers always has a crowd here.Single rider it for sure.

LAX is way further away here it can be 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.I can understand if you can only get flights there.The other thing that can be a problem if you drive is there are seriously bad neighborhoods so at night a wrong turn could put you in harms way.

I really would burn a day here and tour Hollywood.If you want to do Warner Brothers buy in ahead of time and know what day you are going.I would go pick up the car the evening before so you can go real early.An early start is real important you have more time to see everything.

The other thing which might be important is that food is way cheaper on Harbor across and outside of the park.There is nothing cheap in the DLH.

At any rate you will have a blast.You may fall in love with SoCal, my sons room mates had done Florida and like Cal way better.They have a union and for the most part treat the employees way better.The Apartments are also closer to the park and I think better as well.

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[levenhopper]

Thanks to all of you for the advice! I think I've covered everything below, but I'm looking forward to learning more from you as we get closer to the trip!

If you want the true Disney experience staying at the Disneyland Hotel always does it for people.

We always fly into Orange County because its closer and personally I like the airport better than LAX and my brother and I always take the Super Shuttle which is like $10 a person I believe so to me that is pretty reasonable and don't have to mess with traffic and such.

Seeing World of Color and Fantastmic will also be pluses if you can get to see those. I haven't been in about three years so I couldn't tell you how California Adventure is now but if you utitlize the fastpasses that will help you with getting the most of the rides as well.

I think we're going to stay at Paradise Pier. We'll get the perks of staying on-site and a little bit of Disney theming (though I know its not nearly as much as the Disneyland Hotel), without spending a fortune.

Our flights are booked! We're flying into SNA (landing at 12:42PM on a Monday), and flying out of LAX (12:20AM on a Friday...it's the only red-eye I could find, which means we'll not need to take a full day off on Friday since we land in Orlando around 10:15AM on Friday).

And we're planning on seeing all of the night shows . They're always a highlight of Disney for me.

Oh to be young again . If the flights are same price wise and times work out I would fly into SNA. Much smaller airport so getting around after you land is easy.

I would stay at DLH with your Cast Member discount. You are spending a lot of money for the trip do not scrimp on the hotel. Staying on property is part of the over all experience.

By staying on property you get early morning everyday of stay . Since you are on EAST time you are gonna be awake early anyway so make it to rope drop at each park. I love to do this at DL. I get to ride all the attractions in fantasy land 2-3 times with Peter Pan 4-5 times. No eating it is just ride -- ride-- ride.

I would plan for later Oct early Nov. The weather should still be good, although it does get cold in evenings -- can get freezing to.

Have a fun time-- Hope you can get the time off

Flight info is above (replying to the previous poster). Is the shuttle much cheaper than taking a taxi (we'll have two people)?

We didn't mind doing LAX on the return, because we hear that the parks usually close around 8PM during the weekdays in October, which is just when we'd need to leave for LAX. So we'll get a full day of the park on Thursday, fly home overnight, and get back to Orlando in time to work an evening shift. That's the plan, at least.

Do you think there is a big enough difference between DLH and Paradise Pier to justify the extra money? If there is, I'm not against it at all. I know that DLH is the only DL resort built by Disney so it has more of a Disney feel, but if we're planning on being at the park from rope drop til close (with a break for a power nap in the middle if we need it).

We're both people who always are at rope drop when we're in the parks, so of course we'll be there! And the reverse jet lag will make it much easier

Our airfare is booked for October 21-25. We originally had it the week before, but that would have meant we arrived mid-day on Columbus Day. Thankfully all of the airlines are now required by law to have a 24 hour return period, so we bumped the trip back a week. Touring plans lists the crowd levels as 2/3/3/3 - can't ask for much more!

1) Personally every penny adds up. Staying in the DLH once several trip ago was fun, but it really wasn't any more magical than staying off-site. I won't even spend $165 a night there when I can get a decent room on Harbour for $100 or less. That is just a decision you have to make baed on your finances. And as PP mentioned you'll get early entry every morning if you stay at the DLH. I would recommend the Ramada Maingate if you choose to stay off-site.

2) Highly recommend SNA, much smaller/easier airport and much closer to DL. You can take the Disneyland Express which is run by Greyline (and NOT free, even if staying onsite) but it can take a while waiting for passengers before leaving the airport. Then it goes to DLH for payment & passenger drop-off, then the other DL Hotels & then the Good Neighbor Hotels. If you stay on Harbour it can take a Loooong time to get to your hotel. SO My reccomendation for cheaper and quicker transportation is one of the smaller shuttles. We used Super Shuttle on several occassions and were pleased with the service.

3) For 2 young adults I think that is enough time! You'll be exhausted, but hey, you're young ;-)

4) As for timing, avoid the 3 day weekends and holidays (which will likely be a no-brainer since you'll probably not be able to get time off work). If you go after 9/13 you'll get to see DL dressed up for Halloween which is a lot of fun! Or if you go after 11/13 you'll see it done up for Christmas (though the hotels aren't decorated until Thanksgiving time).

I think I replied to everything you mentioned in my replies to the two posters above. We're going midweek during a non-holiday week, so I'm not terribly worried about the crowds. We're very excited about seeing DL dressed up for Halloween. Do you think doing the Halloween Party is worth the extra money?

And, is EMH only for DLH, or for all three of the Disney Resorts in DL?

You should be able to check black out days on the hub for DLH, that was always a problem for us they only had like one out of four days, in the fall here or winter you would be much more likely to get the room you want.You would have to rent a car, not sure if DLH has a car rental but there are a bunch of them on Katella around Bubba Gumps and Cheesecake Factory.

Overall it really is possible here to cover the parks pretty quickly using single rider and fast pass.The ones with the biggest lines for the most part have single rider.The racers always has a crowd here.Single rider it for sure.

I really would burn a day here and tour Hollywood.If you want to do Warner Brothers buy in ahead of time and know what day you are going.I would go pick up the car the evening before so you can go real early.An early start is real important you have more time to see everything.

If we're staying at DL, do we need a car or could we just do the shuttle to/from the airport?

Our initial plan was to use our arrival afternoon and two of our full days to truly ride rides, and use our third day to walk around with our cameras and shoot the parks. We're both huge photography buffs, so getting dedicated time to use our cameras in DL would be awesome for us.

We have no issues doing single rider lines, and fully plan on using FPs!

 

[interstate70s]

Just a heads up. I see that you are planning on midweek off season. F! and fireworks are only on Fri Sat Sun in the off season. World of Color is every night though I think. Hours during the week will probably be 10-8, and 10-6 on Halloween party days. F! doesn't show during the Halloween party, but the fireworks during the party are pretty awesome.

 

[butterflymouse]

1) PPH is the cheapest of the 3 Disney properties, so I would go with that one if you're being economical. However, since you have the discount, you might want to take adventage of it and go with the more expensive hotel. GCH is great for adults. The DLH is my personal favorite, so I always recommend that one.

2) Not well versed with airports because my family always drives. From the airport, I don't know about transportation, but for your stay, you'll be able to use the Monorail or the exclusive hotel guest entrances if you stay on property. You'll still be able to use the Monorail if you stay offsite, but to get to the parks, you can use the Anaheim Transit. Their prices are reasonable. Some good neighbor hotels have their own shuttles to get to the parks, so you can look into that as well.

3) 3.5 days are plenty especially in low season. Since you're willing to stay all day, you have no problem getting most of the parks done in 3.5 days.

4) Late September, Early October, or Early November. Big crowds won't be a problem at those times.

 

[lizbd23]

Everyone has given you great advice!


I just wanted to add some info. Two years ago when I last visited DLR I was a CM.

Since you are a CP, here are some tips that saved me and my husband money:

1. Unlike WDW, almost every restaurant and food location at DL, DCA and most at Downtown Disney give you cast member discounts. If I remember correctly it was like 20% off! That saved us a bunch.

2. Check out Disneyland's CM discount book on the Hub. I found discounts for shuttles, off site hotels, restaurants and more! It really helped us save money for fun DL souvenirs.

3. If you are use to walking around WDW parks, you'll find everything really reasonable walking distant. We thought we may use ART but did not need toand walked everywhere. While it was not a huge savings it did save us money.

Besides saving money, another tip; talk with as many CM's as possible. I had fun talking to them and learning the differences between the parks on each coast. It was fun because when they asked where I worked, I would say Blizzard Beach and only a handful knew about the WDW water parks! Also, they can give you great tips as well! While all CMs love helping guests, when they find out you're a fellow CM/CP they love helping even more!

I hope this gives you some additional help!

My DH and I had such a blast two years ago,we're heading back in August. While I am not a CM anymore,I have a ton of friends who are and they have helped me get a friends and family discount for DLH! But, I will miss my other discounts!


Have a great time!

 

[funsized1989]

What are some places we should eat at?

 

[levenhopper]

Just a heads up. I see that you are planning on midweek off season. F! and fireworks are only on Fri Sat Sun in the off season. World of Color is every night though I think. Hours during the week will probably be 10-8, and 10-6 on Halloween party days. F! doesn't show during the Halloween party, but the fireworks during the party are pretty awesome.

Ah, that could be a huge bummer. Is there a big difference between F! at WDW and DL?

Speaking of the party, do you think it's worth it? Or are we better off skipping it and going to the other park?

1) PPH is the cheapest of the 3 Disney properties, so I would go with that one if you're being economical. However, since you have the discount, you might want to take adventage of it and go with the more expensive hotel.

I had this same internal debate when I went to WDW in December. I was torn between staying at a value (Art of Animation) or upgrading to a moderate. I ended up booking a value resort. My logic: I'm a huge park person, and am only in the room to shower and sleep. Why spend the extra money when I won't be there to experience everything I'm paying a premium for? If it isn't a drastic jump in price we'll look at the other two DL resorts...but I'd bet that we end up at PPH.

Everyone has given you great advice!

I just wanted to add some info. Two years ago when I last visited DLR I was a CM.

Since you are a CP, here are some tips that saved me and my husband money:

1. Unlike WDW, almost every restaurant and food location at DL, DCA and most at Downtown Disney give you cast member discounts. If I remember correctly it was like 20% off! That saved us a bunch.

2. Check out Disneyland's CM discount book on the Hub. I found discounts for shuttles, off site hotels, restaurants and more! It really helped us save money for fun DL souvenirs.

3. If you are use to walking around WDW parks, you'll find everything really reasonable walking distant. We thought we may use ART but did not need toand walked everywhere. While it was not a huge savings it did save us money.

Besides saving money, another tip; talk with as many CM's as possible. I had fun talking to them and learning the differences between the parks on each coast. It was fun because when they asked where I worked, I would say Blizzard Beach and only a handful knew about the WDW water parks! Also, they can give you great tips as well! While all CMs love helping guests, when they find out you're a fellow CM/CP they love helping even more!

I hope this gives you some additional help!

My DH and I had such a blast two years ago,we're heading back in August. While I am not a CM anymore,I have a ton of friends who are and they have helped me get a friends and family discount for DLH! But, I will miss my other discounts!

Have a great time!

Thanks so much! It's always good to hear from another CM! I'm excited to get my Hub access when I start in August. Plus, that'll be right around when DL park hours are released, so we'll go right into planning mode

What are some places we should eat at?

Everyone, this is Ashley (my partner in crime )

 

[BruinEd03]

What are some places we should eat at?

It really depends on your budget. For a cheap eat, earl of sandwich in downtown disney is pretty cheap and pretty good. It is across from the ESPN zone and near the monorail. If you don't want to leave the park, the wharf at DCA is pretty much a takeout place. Flo's V8 cafe in Car's Land in DCA is also really good and pretty reasonably priced.

For a more expensive meal, there's storyteller's cafe at the Grand Californian. I think for dinner it's an all you can eat buffet with primer rib. In Disneyland Park there's Blue Bayou (which oversees the Pirates of the Caribbean ride).

If you wanted a super expensive meal, there's Napa rose at the Grand Californian Hotel. I would avoid Carthay Circle at DCA. The first and only time we had dinner there, it was overpriced, the food was subpar, and the service was horrible. Really not up to Disney's standards. Wine Country Trattoria at DCA is also pretty good, but pretty pricey.

Of course there's Club 33, but that's a pretty tough place to get into.

If you want some place to get a drink - DCA is the only place you can go. There's the wharf in DCA (I believe beer and margaritas). Near Car's Land is the Wine Country Trattoria. To the right of the restaurant is a wine bar.

Those are just off the top of my head.

 

[BruinEd03]

One thing to see - Car's Land lights up at dusk with a little lighting ceremony. You can see some videos on Youtube, but it's pretty cool to see in person. You may have to ask when they light it up though since it changes based on the sunset.

 

[interstate70s]

Is the party worth it? That's hard to say, Its crowded and it costs extra. However, the effects on the castle, rivers of America, main street, and Fireworks are pretty cool. I would look into it, it might be nice just to have the longer hours for one night while you're there.

For where to eat....

For counter service there are lots of good options, just avoid eating meals in toontown, fantasyland, and Tomorrowland in Disneyland.

In DCA I like
Boardwalk pizza and pasta and garden grill (they often have live music)
Flos is pretty good too.

You should stop by Trader Sam's in the DLH, even if you don't end up staying there.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Flight info is above (replying to the previous poster). Is the shuttle much cheaper than taking a taxi (we'll have two people)?

MouseSavers has good airport transportation information and offers small discount on shuttles. Taxi will run you about $40 one-way. If we're not renting a car and flying into SNA, we tend to use the Disneyland Resort Express as the runs are every half-hour and the trip is relatively short. Plus, I've ridden too many SuperShuttles in my life...just hate getting jammed into those vans and I'm always the last one off

Do you think there is a big enough difference between DLH and Paradise Pier to justify the extra money? If there is, I'm not against it at all. I know that DLH is the only DL resort built by Disney so it has more of a Disney feel, but if we're planning on being at the park from rope drop til close (with a break for a power nap in the middle if we need it).

IMO, it's worth it to do once. Since the remodel, the rooms have some very nice touches and unless your career plan is to work long-term for the mouse, when will you have the opportunity to get a discount again? Your call as to whether this is the trip to splurge. Who knows, you could use your CP status at check-in and ask about getting a nicer room.

And as background, Disney did not actually build DLH. The history of the hotel is nicely described at this Wikipedia page. Remember that Walt was barely able to scrape the money up to build the park, never mind the hotel and it was only several years after the park opened that Walt could consider things like the hotel.

And, is EMH only for DLH, or for all three of the Disney Resorts in DL?

EMH privileges are granted for guests staying at any of the three Disney resorts. Just show them your room key at the turnstile.

If we're staying at DL, do we need a car or could we just do the shuttle to/from the airport?

Definitely do without the car. As others have said, everything is within walking distance and resort guests do not receive free parking. If you decide to head up to Hollywood (or elsewhere), there's an Alamo (I think) in Downtown Disney and several of the area hotels have rental desks.

Oh, to be young again! If the CP existed when I was your age, I might very well have taken a different path. Have fun!!!

 

[SeattleRedBear]

You should stop by Trader Sam's in the DLH, even if you don't end up staying there.

Yes, yes, yes! We love Trader Sam's. Provides an opportunity to get out of the craziness of the parks. Good (upscale) bar food and if someone orders one of the "special" drinks, who knows what will happen??

 

[sunflare]

Ah, that could be a huge bummer. Is there a big difference between F! at WDW and DL?

I haven't seen the one at WDW (family wouldn't stand in line ) but I'm told that the DL one is much more spectacular due to the use of the boats on the river and some of the other effects.