Planning Questions

[aprincessmom]

Since DD will be in first grade next year, we have to follow public school vacation schedules (BOOHOO!). She's mentioned interest in CA so I figured that would be a good Feb. vacation option since few East Coast families chose CA as a vacation spot that time of year.

I've been to CA a few times and, since this is her first time, I thought we'd concentrate on SoCa...specifically San Diego and Santa Monica...but want to spend a day or two at DisneyLand so she can see that mommy isn't just telling stories about the differences between WDW and DL (and that the PoC is better in DL).

Anyway, is two days enough to spend now with the expansion of DL/DCA? I was planning a 10 day trip with about 4-5 days in Santa Monica/LA area and 5-6 in San Diego. Is the it a difficult ride to Anaheim from Santa Monica? Are we better off doing a few days in SM, staying around the park for a night or two and then heading to San Diego. Keep in mind that freeway driving doesn't bother me...after all, I drive in Boston!

Also, weatherwise, will we hit a typically rainy time (mid-Feb.). Having only been to CA in either September or April, I'm clueless about weather patterns in Feb.

Thanks for your help!

 

[LuvTigger]

A CA resident could better answer your questions about driving between SM and Disney, so I won't even attempt that! I do know that the drive between Disney and San Diego is about 1 1/2 hours.

As far as the amount of time to spend at DL, if what you're looking for is just getting a feel for the parks and getting to most of the major rides, but not abosorbing every little detail, two days is sufficient. DCA can be done in one day, and you can probably do your favorite rides a couple times. DL can be done in a day, but personally I am more comfortable with two days so I can enjoy my favorite rides and attractions a little more. Also, you might not have a lot of time to explore Downtown Disney and the hotels, if that's something you're interested in.

Last October, I stayed there for 4 nights and was able to enjoy just about everything at a leisurely pace. Personally, I would say if you could spend 3 days there, you could do a lot without rushing.

 

[honeymom]

I moved back to the east coast 8 years ago, but since I used to live in LA and nobody out there had answered I thought I'd weigh in.

Question 1 - Don't people on the west coast still have Spring Break? I wouldn't assume it would be that much less crowded than WDW.

I'm planning a similar trip for this August. The one thing I can tell you is there is so much fun stuff to do in all of the places that you are mentioning, that your daughter probably won't mind spending two days in Disneyland. My husband and I used to go once a year to Disney on a Sunday in the fall. We used to see it all and do it all in one day. DCA sounds like it won't take more than a day either. If you wanted time to spend by a pool there, or to take midday breaks, then your plan probably wouldn't work.

Also, we definitely had a good week of heavy rain in either February or March of some years (it didn't do it every year, and it wouldn't be at the same time each year.)

Avoid driving at rush hour during the week and your drives should be okay. We are coming up from Carlsbad to Anaheim on a Sunday and from what I've read that is about an hour (I'm figuring more like an hour and a half. Carlsbad is about 1/2 hour north of San Diego.

Hopefully, someone who lives out there now will weigh in soon.

 

[WDW2002]

If you are planning your trip around Presedents week/weekend, expect crowds at DLR.

2 days will be okay, it will give you one day at each park. I think 3-4 days would be better.

 

[Michelle]

Local weighing in here.

Santa Monica to Anaheim is a 50-60 minute drive without traffic. With traffic it easily can drag to 90 minutes or more.

I would DEFINITELY recommend staying in Anaheim for a couple of days (or more) in between your Santa Monica and San Diego visits. Save yourself all the driving time and enjoy the parks for a couple of days. In early February, before spring break season, park hours are definitely SHORTER but crowds are lighter (on weekdays anyway) so you should be able to get more done during a two-day visit. If you can swing three days you will be more relaxed and able to enjoy Downtown Disney as well.

February is supposedly rainy season but we have had very light rainfall in winter the past two years. It's hard to predict. It's definitely COOL in February, highs can be as low as the 50s and lows at night in the 30s.

And good for you for teaching your daughter about the BETTER POC.

 

[aprincessmom]

Thanks for everyone's help! The trip is still in its early planning stages but I'm about 80% sure it's a go.

Question 1 - Don't people on the west coast still have Spring Break? I wouldn't assume it would be that much less crowded than WDW.

that made me smile. I'm sure they do but since much of WDW is already booked up for Feb. vacation with all us east coast people looking to escape winter, I thought I might stand a better chance in CA. My cousins, who grew up and still live on the west coast, spent their Feb. vacations back here or in CO or UT skiing for a change of pace.

Again, thanks for the help.