Questions Questions Questions

[Robotshow]

Hello. So I've been to WDW about 8 times and I'm planning my first trip to DLR Nov. 11-15, so we will have about 4 1/2 days there. I've learned A LOT about DL on these boards, especially from Hydroguy's amazing tips. I still have a few questions and am hoping y'all can help. Thanks in advance.

What is the best shuttle from LAX to DL?

Is there a place onsite to rent a car? We plan on seeing parts of Southern Cali and driving to Vegas after DL, but don't feel we will need a car while at DLR.

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.

I'm confused about the WOC fastpass system. Any clarification would be appreciated.

I will be celebrating my 32nd birthday while there. Anything special I should do?

Finally. Which hotel should we choose? I know this question is asked a lot and it is subjective but I would like some input. We are going to stay on site. We are two adults in our early 30's so distance isn't an issue. While we can afford all three technically, it is still a lot of money. Disneyland Hotel seems the most Magical, while Grand Californian has it's own entrance to DCA!, and Paradise Pier is..well...a lot cheaper and I'm sure still nice.

If anyone has any other tips or tricks I would love to hear them. Thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.

The monorail runs from DTD to inside DLR. The DLR station is just above the Nemo submarine ride. The DTD station is near Rainforest Cafe.

If you look at the Disney Resort map (http://disneyland.disney.go.com/maps/#/m=overview) you can kind of see the monorail track. It's the whitish-grey line running from around the Matterhorn to DTD.

 

[I'm mikey]

Is there a place onsite to rent a car? We plan on seeing parts of Southern Cali and driving to Vegas after DL, but don't feel we will need a car while at DLR.

There is an alamo car rental in downtown disney next to the disneyland hotel

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.

The monorail has two stops, tomorrowland in disneyland and the downtown disney station near the disneyland hotel.

Finally. Which hotel should we choose? I know this question is asked a lot and it is subjective but I would like some input. We are going to stay on site. We are two adults in our early 30's so distance isn't an issue. While we can afford all three technically, it is still a lot of money. Disneyland Hotel seems the most Magical, while Grand Californian has it's own entrance to DCA!, and Paradise Pier is..well...a lot cheaper and I'm sure still nice.

the Grand Californian is really nice, but i think the Disneyland Hotel has more of the disney feel to it.

 

[skiingfast]

Have you read the DLR Guide for WDW vets?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[ArchOwl]

Hello. So I've been to WDW about 8 times and I'm planning my first trip to DLR Nov. 11-15, so we will have about 4 1/2 days there. I've learned A LOT about DL on these boards, especially from Hydroguy's amazing tips. I still have a few questions and am hoping y'all can help. Thanks in advance.

What is the best shuttle from LAX to DL?
Sorry, not sure. Hopefully someone else can chime in here.

Is there a place onsite to rent a car? We plan on seeing parts of Southern Cali and driving to Vegas after DL, but don't feel we will need a car while at DLR.
As mentioned previously, there is an alamo in downtown disney. I don't think you will need a car while at Disney.

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.
I have never been to WDW, but I understand that the monorail is more of a transportation system there. At DL, it is more like a ride. Therefore, it mainly just does a loop from DTD to Tomorrowland in DL. It is not recommended for early arrival, but can be useful to return to the DTD Disney area.

I'm confused about the WOC fastpass system. Any clarification would be appreciated.
I am assuming you have seen the WOC superthread? If not, here it is. You don't need to read the whole thing, just the first few posts should give you a great understanding: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

I will be celebrating my 32nd birthday while there. Anything special I should do?
Get a birthday button! Other than that, I like to treat myself to something special, the Fantasmic! dessert seating, or a nice dinner at Napa Rose. It probably depends on what you like to do.

Finally. Which hotel should we choose? I know this question is asked a lot and it is subjective but I would like some input. We are going to stay on site. We are two adults in our early 30's so distance isn't an issue. While we can afford all three technically, it is still a lot of money. Disneyland Hotel seems the most Magical, while Grand Californian has it's own entrance to DCA!, and Paradise Pier is..well...a lot cheaper and I'm sure still nice.

I haven't stayed at the DLH, but I have stayed at GCH and PPH. PPH was fine, but nothing super special. We love the GCH for its closeness to the parks and we like the amenities there. We are big lovers of Napa Rose and the Hearthstone Bar, so it works well for us to stay there. It is definitely more adult than the other hotels I think. The pool area is amazing at GCH and the special entrance is so cool. The GCH is the only hotel specifically built by Disney at the DLR and it shows in the intricate theming. The DLH has its fans, though. I think of it as more for families with kids and except for Trader Sam's, don't really enjoy the amenities as much as the GCH.

If anyone has any other tips or tricks I would love to hear them. Thanks!
I am guessing you already know how to use FPs and have a good touring plan. Other than that, relax and enjoy DL! It is easier to plan and much more laid back than WDW. Have fun!

.

 

[HydroGuy]

What is the best shuttle from LAX to DL?

Not sure which is best or if there is a best. I have only used Karmel and taxis. Did you find this link yet?

"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Is there a place onsite to rent a car? We plan on seeing parts of Southern Cali and driving to Vegas after DL, but don't feel we will need a car while at DLR.

There is one in DTD and numerous others within a 10 minute walk. Alamo is onsite - I used them once. And Avis is nearby - I used them once also. Plus others.

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.

Looks like others helped already.

I'm confused about the WOC fastpass system. Any clarification would be appreciated.

Confusion would be typical because it is confusing!

Have you found this thread which lays WOC and FPs in detail?

"World of Color Superthread" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

I will be celebrating my 32nd birthday while there. Anything special I should do?

Get a birthday pin at Town Hall?

Finally. Which hotel should we choose? I know this question is asked a lot and it is subjective but I would like some input. We are going to stay on site. We are two adults in our early 30's so distance isn't an issue. While we can afford all three technically, it is still a lot of money. Disneyland Hotel seems the most Magical, while Grand Californian has it's own entrance to DCA!, and Paradise Pier is..well...a lot cheaper and I'm sure still nice.

Well, you summed it up well. GCH will be like WL or AKL at WDW. DLH and PPH will be closer to moderates but IMO kind of between mods and deluxes. I say GCH can't be beat. The location just rocks. But you won't go wrong with any of them.

Sorry I can't be of more help. As you can see from my sig I have become a GCH fan. And a little poorer!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

If you are a Disney buff and would like to treat yourself, you might want to consider the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour.

The monorail Downtown Disney stop is next to the Rainforest Cafe, and close to the entrance to the Disneyland Hotel (at one time, the Disneyland Hotel extended to the monorail track, and this served as a means to get from the hotel to the park).

The two main shuttles are the Disneyland Resort Express (decorated bus) and SuperShuttle. Go to Google and put in something like "discount transfers from LAX to Disneyland" and see if you can get a coupon for one of the shuttles. Either one is fine, and I think they (or one of them) offer a discount if you purchase roundtrip.

You'll be going at one of the most beautiful times in the park.

 

[Sherry E]

Hello, Robotshow!

This does not answer any of your specific questions above but it may end up being relevant to you and your plans based on the dates of your trip. This is the Christmas/holiday season Superthread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2612827

When you get some time, scroll through it - or at least the first page - and pop in to ask questions if you'd like.


It's definite that you will see most - if not all - of the holiday decorations when you are at DLR from 11/11 - 11/15, but depending on when the season officially kicks off you may also get to experience some of the holiday-specific things as well. The seasonal festivities add an extra layer to planning.

The holiday season will start on either 11/9, 11/12 or 11/16. I was kind of thinking that 11/12 could be the date, but it may even be earlier. With the official start date comes the Christmas Fantasy Parade, the Believe...In Holiday Magic Fireworks, Santa's Reindeer Round-Up, a possible holiday segment added to World of Color, snow falling on Main Street, the lighting of the Winter Castle at night, etc.

You will also get to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday - which is a complete transformation of Haunted Mansion into a "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme - and It's a Small World Holiday, which is another complete ride overlay. IASWH's facade is lit up in thousands and thousands of gorgeous colored lights at night, and pretty much every inch of the ride is made over inside. It's really amazing the work that goes into it.

Even the Storybook Land ride features teeny tiny Christmas decorations during the season.

New Orleans Square, ToonTown and A Bug's Land all have wonderful, unique, themed decorations. There's also a rumor that Cars Land may have its own themed decorations this year, but we don't know that for sure.

Anyway, you have a lot to look forward to!

 

[DISHoppy]

The two main shuttles are the Disneyland Resort Express (decorated bus) and SuperShuttle. Go to Google and put in something like "discount transfers from LAX to Disneyland" and see if you can get a coupon for one of the shuttles. Either one is fine, and I think they (or one of them) offer a discount if you purchase roundtrip.

DRE has a roundtrip discount from both LAX and SNA. It's ~$10 for adults.

http://graylineanaheim.com/shuttles.shtml

SuperShuttle is a few $$$ more w/o a discount.

-Kevin

 

[S. S. Columbia]

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.

The monorail track can be seen fairly well on this wikimap:
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8094152&lon=-117.9245196&z=20&l=0&m=b

From DTD, it first travels north and then goes across the main entrance area, travels outside DL (by Tomorrowland), curlicues above Autopia, swoops by the Matterhorn, and stops at the TL Monorail Station (by Finding Nemo).

From Tomorrowland Station, the Monorail goes south down Harbor Boulevard and crosses the north part of DCA (just south of Soarin'), and it goes through the Grand Californian Hotel before returning to the DTD Station.

HTH

 

[DISHoppy]

Hello. So I've been to WDW about 8 times and I'm planning my first trip to DLR Nov. 11-15, so we will have about 4 1/2 days there. I've learned A LOT about DL on these boards, especially from Hydroguy's amazing tips. I still have a few questions and am hoping y'all can help. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to my world. I'm researching a first time DLR trip for our family in June (right after Cars Land hell breaks loose) as WDW vets. I've been there once previously, but it was in 1978. Things have changed a bit since then. I've been researching like crazy the past few weeks just like you (and my head hurts). PM me if you'd like and I can try to brain dump answers to a lot of the same questions you have, but I'm learning new things daily. It's amazing how many differences there are b/w the two resorts owned by the same very large company.

FYI, we're booked for PPH, but I'll likely be switching that to DLH for the extra magical touches it has. I still question whether it will be completely worth it since we'll be mostly in the parks, but it's not likely we'll be back on the left coast any time soon. Might as well go for the gusto. We were scheduled for a trip to WDW @ POR in the Princess Suites, but my DW ended up being scheduled for a conference in Anaheim @ the end of June, and we couldn't pass it up the opportunity (plus her airfare is free).

We're also celebrating DD6's birthday while we are there and our first stop will be to get a birthday button @ City/Town Hall for her for the day so that all of the CMs will wish her a happy birthday, and maybe give her some pixie dust.

-Kevin

 

[Robotshow]

Thanks for all the info! It really helped a lot. I think I'm starting to get a grasp on things.

 

[MissSlimskys]

Hello. So I've been to WDW about 8 times and I'm planning my first trip to DLR Nov. 11-15, so we will have about 4 1/2 days there. I've learned A LOT about DL on these boards, especially from Hydroguy's amazing tips. I still have a few questions and am hoping y'all can help. Thanks in advance.

What is the best shuttle from LAX to DL?

I've heard good things about Disney's own shuttle, Disneyland Resort Express. Super Shuttle has its fans but the Resort Express busses are nicer.


Is there a place onsite to rent a car? We plan on seeing parts of Southern Cali and driving to Vegas after DL, but don't feel we will need a car while at DLR.

You definitely don't need a car while at DL.

Where exactly does the monorail go? I'm having trouble figuring this out for some reason.

I've been to Disneyland about 30 times and have only ridden the monorail once. It is, as described above, more of a ride than a mode of transportation. DL is TINY compared to WDW and you can walk everywhere easily.

I'm confused about the WOC fastpass system. Any clarification would be appreciated.

The WOC Fast Pass system is a bit weird. My suggestion is to per-order online a World of Color Picnic which comes with a FP. If you wait to pick it up until later in the afternoon (not right at 11:30) there will be no line.

I will be celebrating my 32nd birthday while there. Anything special I should do?

Napa Rose at the Grand California. Best restaurant in the OC

Finally. Which hotel should we choose? I know this question is asked a lot and it is subjective but I would like some input. We are going to stay on site. We are two adults in our early 30's so distance isn't an issue. While we can afford all three technically, it is still a lot of money. Disneyland Hotel seems the most Magical, while Grand Californian has it's own entrance to DCA!, and Paradise Pier is..well...a lot cheaper and I'm sure still nice.

We are staying at the newly renovated DLH tomorrow night and will report back to tell you if we think it compares to our favorite, the Grand Californian.

If anyone has any other tips or tricks I would love to hear them. Thanks!

My thoughts above

 

[GrandBob]

I've heard good things about Disney's own shuttle, Disneyland Resort Express. Super Shuttle has its fans but the Resort Express busses are nicer.

Slight correction. Unlike the service at WDW, Disneyland Resort Express doesn't belong to Disney. I believe it's operated by Gray Line.

 

[skiingfast]

Slight correction. Unlike the service at WDW, Disneyland Resort Express doesn't belong to Disney. I believe it's operated by Gray Line.

At WDW the Disney Magical Express doesn't belong to Disney either. It's owned and operated by Mears Transportation.

The key difference is DLRE you can book through Gray Lines itself and it costs money. DME you book through Disney and is included in the cost of resort stays(free but not truely).

 

[ktlm]

Fellow WDW vet here. Where do you like to stay at WDW? That will tell a lot about what you might like at DLR. We have stated at both WL and AKL at WDW and like both of them. GCH is basically a scaled down version of WL, which is why we don't stay there. It is great, but we want something different when we go to DLR. For that reason we usually stay at DLH. We love it there. It has a totally different feel than any of the WDW resorts. I would put DLH in the deluxe category in WDW terms. The rooms are large and well decorated with queen size beds, there is a great character meal on premises, there are decent food options (although the CS isn't the best), you can often find Goofy in the lobby, and it has water slides (the monorail pool). I wouldn't liken it to a moderate. PPH is the only one of the 3 we have never set foot in, and from what I have heard, I think it is more comparable to a moderate.

That said, if you want to go all out and pay for a theme park view, GCH can not be beat. It is not like a WDW MK theme park view where you see a little castle far away. There is a thread on here where some amazing pictures are posted ( I think at least one by Hydroguy who as you can see from the above is the best resource for WDW vets and for whom we are all thankful!) and you actually see the paths of the park and people walking on them from the rooms. After seeing those, I came real close to spending the extra $600 and switching to GCH with that view, but I just couldn't quite stomach spending the extra money! DLH by WDW standards is not a far walk to the parks at all- a WDW vet wouldn't think twice about it---but there is something to be said about being able to walk out of your room and to the resort grounds leading straight into a park. Another bonus of GCH is the entrance from the park is right by Grizzly River Run (think Kali River Rapids at AK). It you get soaked, you just run up to your room, change clothes, and go right back into the park. I don't think you can go wrong with either!

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... There is a thread on here where some amazing pictures are posted ( I think at least one by Hydroguy who as you can see from the above is the best resource for WDW vets and for whom we are all thankful!) and you actually see the paths of the park and people walking on them from the rooms. ...

Here is the thread with the photos:

The Disney bubble?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2905463&page=2

The photo below was taken by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44518396&postcount=18

View From Our Room 5438 at the GCH

And "elaw" posted the 5 photos below:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44517582&postcount=16

Even WDW doesnt give you the ability to almost literally stay "in the park" like DL does ... CR and BLT are close but not quite like the GCH
These are some photos of our last trip on new years eve/day of the GCH, "park view" .... talk about immersion! I will admit though, I
consider WDW a true vacation, and for me the very defintion of immersion/disney bubble. - elaw

 

[Robotshow]

Wow. Those views are amazing. I LOVE the Wilderness Lodge and I'm not sure if I want another version of it but I the proximity to the park is amazing. I've read Hydroguy's guide for WDW vets several times and probably will a few more. It's soooo helpful. I'm thinking of going with the DLH. It seems to have the most "magic". The water slides are adult friendly right? My boyfriend (who is a 35 year old "man") loves water slides and themed pools.

Also. I forgot to ask. I've heard that DLR has a lot more/different characters than WDW. Is this true?

 

[skiingfast]

Also. I forgot to ask. I've heard that DLR has a lot more/different characters than WDW. Is this true?

Not more but different ones. The ones you wish you could find at WDW are common at DLR and vice versa. At DLR the M&Gs are for the most part less formal which can make for a better experience.

 

[DisSarahK]

Last year was our third trip as a family to Disneyland and it was to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. I was looking for some special things to do to make it different than our previous trips and give it that "extra" celebratory touch.

We ended up staying at the Disneyland Hotel and loved it. The Grand Californian would be wonderful too.

What we REALLY loved, though, was doing a Disneyland tour. http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tours/ We did the Discover the Magic Tour (we have two young children) and we were the only family on our tour. It was AMAZING and was exactly the magical touch we needed for our Disneyland celebration. Basically it was a treasure hunt through Disneyland for our family with our own tour guide. We walked right onto rides and we even ran into Snow White. At the end of the tour we had a private audience with Mickey Mouse for about ten minutes. It was amazing!

I highly recommend looking at the tours and seeing if there is one that looks interesting to you as a way to celebrate your birthday.