Q about Disneyland?

[goldilocks_63]

Okay, I always have thought why go to Disneyland when there is so much more to do at Florida, plus it's closer for us (Chicago).

But we love to swim, and I'm looking at the weather, and WDW is 60's, and DL is 80's (if it's Anaheim, CA, is that right)?

I bring this up because I want to go somewhere for next January, and maybe I'd like CA better for the weather, plus the 50 year celebrations.

Opinions please, Goldi

 

[MrShiny]

Well, do realize the current weather (I'm going Thursday - sweet!) is not usual for California. Anaheim averages 69 for Jan, while Orlando averages 72.

http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/climo-dly.html?locid=USCA0027

http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/climo-dly.html?locid=USFL0372

That being said, I would really suggest trying DL. First of all, ride wise it actually has a couple more rides than WDW (although fewer total "attractions" counting shows and walk-throughs). Since all those rides are packed in 2 parks (and mostly in 1) rather than 4, and that park is the size of MGM, you get a neat little package.

Now if going in January, note that Haunted Mansion and Small World will be down until late in the month (when they switch from their holiday versions to the normal ones), so you might want to go early (the first week) or late in the month. I'd suggest early myself, because the holiday versions of those two rides and DL's decorations are really nice. Their parade also is much ,ore charming than WDW's Christmas one, IMHO.

You will walk a lot less, and if on a buget, you can easily stay at a great motel on Harbor for a fraction of the price of a WDW hotel, and be VERY close to the gates. If money is not a huge concern, though, the Grand Californian is worth it, and not much more than a WDW deluxe.

Two big reasons to go: Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye and Pirates. The Pirates there makes WDW's version look like the coming attractions.

This is THE year to try DL. I've seen the work progress on it (been out there a couple of times this year) and after May, the whole park will look brand new.

Besides, you can fly Southwest from Midway for under $200 r/t!

 

[goldilocks_63]

I did't realize the weather was atypical. I thought maybe CA is always warmer... SO thanks, Glad I asked.

But sounds like it could be lots of fun!! and hubby wants to do something different.

We're making plans for the first week of Dec, so this could be it...

Thanks, Goldi

 

[shelleyl]

California has less humidity than Flordia. I think the humidity in Flordia makes it seem much warmer. I prefer the 70's with less humidity.

 

[MrShiny]

Make no mistake, the weather is in general better, but in the winter and fall it can get rainy and cool (or as southern Californians would say, cold). But the humidity is much less, so an 80+ day is really nice while at WDW it could be slightly oppresive.

Defintely worth the trip, especially after Thanksgiving (when Christmas decorations are up and Haunted Manision Holiday and Holiday it's a small world are in full swing) through New Year's, so beginning December should be great. The weekends can get crowded (remember unlike WDW, most vistors are local) but the weekdays should be very nice. Even in the worst case, 3 full days in the parks should get you to just about everything. If the crowds are light, 1.5-2 days can do it (mainly because of the lack of walking and transit time).

When last I saw Main Street, it was looking wonderful. I'm sure you;ll get a kick out of it, and by early December the improved Space Mountain should be open. Definitely worth the trip!

If you do take Southwest, from Chicago you can fly direct to LAX or San Diego. San Diego is a much nicer airport and much easier to navigate. It's about 90 minutes from DL, but there are a couple of good attractions on the way - Sea World, San Diego Zoo (and if you have kids with you) Legoland.

It's a very easy drive and rental cars tend to be pretty cheap.

If you do fly into Orange County (John Wayne, SNA) note that leaving, the airplane will do something odd (not all pilots mention this). After the initial thrust of take off, they will throttle back the engines, and then a few minutes later throttle up again. This is because homeowners in the OC passed ordinances about the noise of aircraft taking off. If you don't know what's going on, it can be a little disturbing!