Questions from 1st-timer

[Lucky'sMom]

My DH just e-mailed me that he has a convention at the Disneyland Hotel in September. We have been to WDW many times, but this is our first visit to DL. (3 kids ages 10, 8 and 5). Since it will be during the beginning of the school year, we won't be visiting anywhere else, and will be staying the DL Hotel. What kind of transportation from the airport do you recommend? What airport should we use (LAX?). Do we need to make ADR's like at WDW soon? Do the rooms sleep 5? (I thought they did, but on the DL web-site, I only see 2 queen beds) Anything else I should know early on, or any special things I need to book this far out? Do they even take ADR's at 180 days like WDW? Help, help! Thanks so much!

 

[hlbtimes2]

You can make reservations (priority seating (PS)is what they call them at DL) 60 days in advance. There are not nearly the dinning choices, and most are walk up that dont require reservations. Character meals will be your main focus for PS.

Personally, I prefer Long Beach (LGB) or Orange county (SNA) airports. But, it depends on the flights you can get, and price of course. If you end up at LAX I would say either Disney express bus (cheapest) or super shuttle. From the other two airports either a taxi, rental car, or super shuttle are all good choices- both cost and time effective.

Some (most?) of the rooms at DLH will have a pull out/fold down sofa for the 5th person.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

Thank you so much for your help. It's kind of hard to go from knowing "everything" about WDW, to knowing very little about DL.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Thank you so much for your help. It's kind of hard to go from knowing "everything" about WDW, to knowing very little about DL.

Any other questions?

 

[kwdietrich1]

Thank you so much for your help. It's kind of hard to go from knowing "everything" about WDW, to knowing very little about DL.

I feel the same way. I feel so clueless about our trip in June. I'm going from being a WDW vet to a DL newbie. I just know I WILL call Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and the two parks WDW!

I do have a question, what restaurant would someone recommend for a 10th annivesary? I want it to be special, but I don't have very adventurous tastes. My DH on the otherhand, will try just about anything.

Thanks!

 

[hlbtimes2]

I feel the same way. I feel so clueless about our trip in June. I'm going from being a WDW vet to a DL newbie. I just know I WILL call Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and the two parks WDW!

I do have a question, what restaurant would someone recommend for a 10th annivesary? I want it to be special, but I don't have very adventurous tastes. My DH on the otherhand, will try just about anything.

Thanks!

Granvilles at DLH or Napa Rose at GC would both be nices places for an anniv dinner. Some might say storytellers, but it doesn't say "nice, anniv dinner" to me. The vineyard room at DCA might also be good, but the menu has some sort of different things on it, and you might not enjoy them. Take a look at the menus at www.dlresortinfo.com It will give you an idea of what you are looking at for price and selections.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

What are the best (unique) restaurants and do these need priority seatings? I'm guessing so far from reading these boards that maybe Blue Bayou and some character meals(?) Which character meals are considered the "best", most fun, etc... Also, is the Disneyland Express like Magical Express at WDW (for transport from airport to DL)? I think from my early research that we will probably be flying into LAX for the best rates or non-stop flights from Pittsburgh. Is the only night time entertainment Fantasia? Thanks again!

 

[iceskatejen]

It's Fantasmic--Fantasia is a movie (or an American Idol winner, take your pick). There's that and the fireworks. On weekends, Club Buzz usually has bands playing. There's usually an evening parade also.

The most popular character meal has to be Goofy's Kitchen. I just ate there on Sunday and enjoyed it (as I always do).

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I can't believe I typed "fantasia"...how many times have I been to "Fantasmic" at WDW! (I am an American Idol fan, though ) Thanks for the advice and info. I really do appreciate it!

 

[kwdietrich1]

hlbtimes2- Thanks for the recommendations. I looked at Granville's menu, and the menu reminds me of Le Cellier in Epcot. Yum! I think I'll make our anniversary PS there!

 

[karylrocks]

The rooms at DLH do sleep 5 fairly comfortably - there is a daybed and we had 4 adults and 1 teen with no problem. Goofy's Kitchen is at DLH and I would vote for that as a character meal, but I have not tried Lilo and Stitch (at the Paradise Pier Hotel next door to DLH) which also sounds fun.

Disneyland Express is not like Magical Express - you will need to purchase transfers, which cost $28 round-trip for adults and $20 for kids.
http://www.airportbus.com/

You should get PS for Blue Bayou - it is the most unique restaurant at DL. Ask for a table by the water.

Your kids will love the Disneyland Hotel!