Planning help!

[bamamolly]

I need help! I want to start looking into planning a trip to Disneyland for 2012 (I know, way off but you can never start too early can you?). Problem is, although I've been to Disney World 10 times, I've never been to Disneyland. Never been too the LA area. The only time I've ever even been to CA, I was 12 and was in San Francisco so I've no ideas or knowledge whatsoever. So help!

What's the best place to stay at a reasonable price?

Does Disneyland have a dining plan like the World does?

How many days should I plan on?

Is there other stuff in the area that would be fun to do?

Where should I think about eating in the park?

What exactly is California Adventure? What kind of park - thrill rides or what?

See I told you I needed help!

 

[HydroGuy]

I need help! I want to start looking into planning a trip to Disneyland for 2012 (I know, way off but you can never start too early can you?). Problem is, although I've been to Disney World 10 times, I've never been to Disneyland. Never been too the LA area. The only time I've ever even been to CA, I was 12 and was in San Francisco so I've no ideas or knowledge whatsoever. So help!

What's the best place to stay at a reasonable price?

Does Disneyland have a dining plan like the World does?

How many days should I plan on?

Is there other stuff in the area that would be fun to do?

Where should I think about eating in the park?

What exactly is California Adventure? What kind of park - thrill rides or what?

See I told you I needed help!

Most everything you ask and more is discussed here:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Funball]

Disneyland does not have a dining plan—or so I heave heard. I have also read that the best places to stay that are reasonable are near the park itself, not so much on property. Hojo is a DIS favorite, and so is the carousel inn. I am sure there are many others, but lot of the places along harbor are really in walking distance to the park and maybe a 8 min walk!

i have some links for you to look at also:

disneyland dining:

disneyland menu database with prices(click on each place to view menu)

california adventure dining:

same as disneyland, clickable links and menu

info on california adventure:

http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dca/dca.htm

 

[Funball]

also.. if you need maps to the parks., please look at my link below in my signature line! i am the park map fairy and i have lots in stock.. the halloween ones are flying off the shelf, but i have others

 

[HydroGuy]

Disneyland does not have a dining plan—or so I heave heard.

It has one but it is different than WDW's and frowned upon by just about everyone.

 

[bamamolly]

Thank you so much for the information!!!

 

[Kittyskyfish]

I'll add my input on "how long to stay". As Hydroguy's link states, 3-4 days is really a good minimum to see everything and soak it all in. But it also depends on WHEN you go. During the peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, I'd recommend 4 days minimum. That gives you time to go back to the hotel and take an occasional breather and not feel you need to always be on the "gogogo" on hard, long days.

And just my .02 cents if you don't have a month picked out, you really should consider December. DL is a true wonderland at Christmas and the festivities are really out of this world! Check out the Christmas thread to see what DL has to offer!

 

[bamamolly]

I'll add my input on "how long to stay". As Hydroguy's link states, 3-4 days is really a good minimum to see everything and soak it all in. But it also depends on WHEN you go. During the peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, I'd recommend 4 days minimum. That gives you time to go back to the hotel and take an occasional breather and not feel you need to always be on the "gogogo" on hard, long days.

And just my .02 cents if you don't have a month picked out, you really should consider December. DL is a true wonderland at Christmas and the festivities are really out of this world! Check out the Christmas thread to see what DL has to offer!

I do love the Christmas stuff going on in Disney in December but I don't think it would be possible for us since my oldest is in school and starting next year so will my youngest. We went to WDW in December 4 years ago and it was SO nice! I would love to do it again but it will probably have to wait another 18 years...sigh.

But I'm thinking we might would go in May since DD gets out of school by the third week in May. Or I would love to go in October during DD's days off from school so we could do the Halloween party. Plenty of time to figure it all out though.

 

[bamamolly]

Or in March for Spring Break. Not sure how busy those times are though.