Questions & Tips please for our first (and likely only) California Trip!

[ErinsMommy]

DD 14 (she'll be 15 by the time we actually go) wants to go to California (we've always been a WDW family). I say likely only time going to California because of many reasons. So here are my questions and tips we're looking for and your help is greatly appreciated:

What time of year is BEST to go? December (Xmas Break), February (Winter Recess) or April (Easter Break). We're limited on when we can go because DD is going into private catholic HS this year and unless there's a school 'break', unexcused absences wont be taken well.

How many days would you spend at DL/DCA? And where would you recommend staying? (Want to be close to the parks, places to eat, definitely want a 'fun' pool, and comfortable amenities/spacious room.) On the WDW side we've always stayed at the Polynesian, Contemporary or Beach/Yacht Club Resorts. I know its different because WDW the resorts are on property and have transportation options.

How many days would you spend at Universal? (studio tour is a must). And where would you recommend staying, if we decided to transfer from DC/DL area to US area?

Tour of LA to see and do the "touristy" things (walk of fame, griffith observatory, Rodeo Drive, etc.) - would one day or half a day suffice? Are those tours I see on TripAdvisor any good?

We would LOVE to go to a beach and checkout activity on the boardwalk too - which one would be best for this? Thinking Venice Beach or Santa Monica Pier.

We're not renting a car - just dont want to be bothered and rather just use uber/lyft (i'm aware its much more costly this way, but it is what it is). With that said, based on above - is it better to stay a few days in the DCA/DL area then transfer to a hotel in the US area? Or just stay in one hotel and take uber/lyfts whereever and whenever.

Are uber/lyfts fairly easy to get when we need them?

Which airport would be best to fly into/out of? We're coming from NJ so likely flying out of EWR (Newark) and will need non-stop.

 

[MaxSkywalker]

I've heard Feb is the least busy time to go, but there are a lot of ride refurbishments. Christmas break will be very busy.

I will say that getting around LA takes a LONG time. Like DL to Universal is over an hour.

 

[DisSurfer878]

So for starters: Disney

1. Stay at The Grand Californian. It's worth it.
2.Winter Break or Spring Break. Too much is closed on Feb break (prime refurb season plus California rain). It won't really matter which you chose, both are equally packed and have similar weather. Just depends on if you want "Regular Disneyland" or "Holiday Disneyland"
3. For an only trip, at least 3 days but 4 to be safe.

for Universal:
1. Don't stay near Disney. LA Traffic is the worst and even in an Uber you don't want to deal with that. Change hotels. Universal is a 1 day park here. It is NOTHING like the Orlando one and will, frankly, probably be a disappointment if you've been to the Orlando one.

for LA Info:
1. Don't go to Santa Monica or Venice unless you like going to a homeless person campground and the smell of weed. Try Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Malibu.
2. One full day is fine to see Rodeo Drive and Walk of Fame. Griffith Observatory too, but if you drive and don't linger too long. Honestly its all kind of disappointing, but I get how a teen really wants to see it.
3. There are two main airports, LAX and SNA. SNA is closer to Disney, but more expensive

 

[ErinsMommy]

So for starters: Disney

1. Stay at The Grand Californian. It's worth it.
2.Winter Break or Spring Break. Too much is closed on Feb break (prime refurb season plus California rain). It won't really matter which you chose, both are equally packed and have similar weather. Just depends on if you want "Regular Disneyland" or "Holiday Disneyland"
3. For an only trip, at least 3 days but 4 to be safe.

for Universal:
1. Don't stay near Disney. LA Traffic is the worst and even in an Uber you don't want to deal with that. Change hotels. Universal is a 1 day park here. It is NOTHING like the Orlando one and will, frankly, probably be a disappointment if you've been to the Orlando one.

for LA Info:
1. Don't go to Santa Monica or Venice unless you like going to a homeless person campground and the smell of weed. Try Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Malibu.
2. One full day is fine to see Rodeo Drive and Walk of Fame. Griffith Observatory too, but if you drive and don't linger too long. Honestly its all kind of disappointing, but I get how a teen really wants to see it.
3. There are two main airports, LAX and SNA. SNA is closer to Disney, but more expensive

So awesome, thank you! Are any of the beaches you mentioned closer to LA than DL? Not sure when we should try and get one of those beaches into our schedule - if any at all, if completely out of the way, but DD loves the ocean/sand so we're trying to figure out/where/when. Thanks again!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I suggest coming in early summer, as soon as school is out. Winter/spring breaks are too crowded and February the park hours are shorter and no nighttime entertainment during the week and staff is too reduced and too many ride closures.

I think you are really going to want a car. I honestly can’t imagine using Uber/Lyft to do what you want to do.

I always send tourists to Laguna Beach. It is magical. It’s closer to DL than LA.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

If you don't care about ride closures or the potential for some rain, February is great...except Presidents Day Weekend because that one is packed. If you would prefer warm, go during spring break or early summer.

Why not stay at the Grand Californian or the Disneyland hotel? Both are on site and about the same calibur as what you're used to at WDW.

For Universal, it's not as big as the one in Florida. I find one day to be plenty, but if you want to ride everything and see everything, maybe 2 days. But stay at a hotel near Universal. Don't try to drive or get a ride from Disneyland. I think the Hilton by Universal is probably a good bet.

Don't go to Venice beach unless you want to experience the real L.A. it's not all bright and shiny like on tv. Likewise, I feel that Santa Monica pier is underwhelming. I really recommend Paradise Cove, but I'm not sure you'll want to pay Uber or Lyft to get you there from Universal (though that goes for any of the good L.A. beaches). Huntington Beach near Disneyland is probably better if you're Uber/lifting, or Laguna Beach.

Keep in mind that everything is pretty spread out in California. It's going to be a 70-90 minute drive to get to where Universal is from Disneyland. It's also a long drive to the beach. I am always blown away on the east coast how close everything is, but in L.A. I find it's better to have a car.

 

[Becca1007]

Ok, if this is a once in a lifetime trip I think you might want to look at the Adventures By Disney Hollywood and Disney Tour package. If it works for your dates you get time in Hollywood and in the Parks (Grand Californian is the hotel for the park time) and you don't have to worry about things like transportation, etc. If it sounds interesting there are definitely some reviews of the tours on here from the past.

I am not sure when they will start booking these tours again post covid but it is worth a call.

I would completely skip Universal here ... it is very disappointing as compared to Florida.

 

[felice]

Not to negate the views above, but I would certainly recommend a visit to Santa Monica (the Pier as well as 3rd St Promenade) and also Venice Beach.

Yes, there had been a homeless problem at Venice for some time now but this is gradually being cleared by the authorities - and things now seem to be getting back to how they originally were pre-pandemic. Whilst, to be fair, there always was a homeless community there they were never any bother to tourists. Those who were trying to make some money at least had stuff they had made for sale.

Operations are still ongoing to clear the remainder of the encampments though.

With regards to Rodeo Drive, the Griffith Observatory and the Walk of Fame, any decent local travel company should be able to transport you, this is safer than using Uber and also works out on cost grounds too - saving you potentially driving. Best ask at the concierge of the hotel which you're staying in.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Thanks so much everyone! Great tips and so helpful!

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

Is summer an option for you? Summers in SoCal are typically much more doable than summers in Orlando, because the humidity is much lower. June is often a great time, especially if you are already used to some level of heat. It also ensures you can get the fullest experience possible - all entertainment should be available, and they have the least rides down for refurb starting the summer season.

Additionally, if you have a fall break (this seems to be more common these days), that can also be an incredible time to do DLR. September/October typically has some great weather, full entertainment schedules, and some excellent Halloween/fall theming. If this is truly a one shot only trip, I'd avoid February because you just won't get a full park offering. Spring break generally has more available, but crowd levels can be quite intense and weather is less consistent. Xmas is amazing, but crowds can be an issue and it'll be the most expensive time to travel generally.

I'm a big fan of 5 day hoppers, but you can get away with less if you need to. 3 days primarily DL, 2 days primarily DCA works well - but hopping is so much easier at DLR than WDW, it is very feasible to be in DL in the morning and hop to DCA within a few minutes at 1pm when hopping opens up, and vice versa. There is no transportation to wait on, so you are only in the line to enter the next park after walking across the esplanade, which is not very far (we've hopped in under 10 minutes between leaving one exit to entering, on low crowd days).

I'm a sucker for the Grand - it is a wishlist item for me, and we visit the lobby every trip. My sister is going to be staying at PPH for her upcoming trip, because the price difference + the rooftop pool was intriguing for her. My family typically stays in a large VRBO (we are a family of 7, and often travel with other families/extended family), but we have stayed in Good Neighbor hotels twice. They are convenient but maybe not quite what you are looking for, if you are used to Poly at WDW. You will probably be happier staying at Grand, PPH, or DLH onsite.

No advice on Universal yet - our first Universal trip will be next June. We will not be relocating, so it'll be interesting to see how early I can get the kids up to drive across town for it

We LOVED exploring Malibu - in fact, we preferred the small beach you can walk there to the larger and busier beach at Santa Monica. There are also so many beaches you can visit, but conditions can change, so checking up on things regularly here and having flexible plans when it comes to beaches is a good idea.

All signs indicate that uber/lyft are basically taxi-level prices at this point. Especially if you are considering going from DLR to beaches - these are often over an hour each way. If you are just staying at DLR, not having transportation isn't a big deal. But if you want to add those other side trips, be prepared to pay some steep event-level pricing, and with or without a rental, it is actually quite a lot of time in the car going back and forth.

 

[DisSurfer878]

So awesome, thank you! Are any of the beaches you mentioned closer to LA than DL? Not sure when we should try and get one of those beaches into our schedule - if any at all, if completely out of the way, but DD loves the ocean/sand so we're trying to figure out/where/when. Thanks again!

Disneyland is just... not close to the beach, sorry haha. The closest would probably be Huntington.

 

[DisSurfer878]

Not to negate the views above, but I would certainly recommend a visit to Santa Monica (the Pier as well as 3rd St Promenade) and also Venice Beach.

Yes, there had been a homeless problem at Venice for some time now but this is gradually being cleared by the authorities - and things now seem to be getting back to how they originally were pre-pandemic. Whilst, to be fair, there always was a homeless community there they were never any bother to tourists. Those who were trying to make some money at least had stuff they had made for sale.

Operations are still ongoing to clear the remainder of the encampments though.

With regards to Rodeo Drive, the Griffith Observatory and the Walk of Fame, any decent local travel company should be able to transport you, this is safer than using Uber and also works out on cost grounds too - saving you potentially driving. Best ask at the concierge of the hotel which you're staying in.

I mean. My friends who live there would beg to differ, but to each their own.

i just would NOT recommend it for tourists.

 

[Rich M]

Sounds like a great idea for your family. Here is my advice as a Nor Cal Disney fan:

1. There are so many hotels to stay in that are walking distance. I would look at Candy Cane Inn as they have nice rooms and breakfast and have a shuttle for when you don't want to walk. You can stay at one of the neighbor hotels for 3 nights for the cost of a Disney Hotel for one night.
2. Universal is a one day park. If you want to visit its still a great option as I love being on a real working studio that you could see a star sometime. You might even be asked to be apart of a live audience. Traffic is bad but get up early and you will be fine. After you day at Universal go check out Hollywood.
3. If you have the time I would recommend going down to San Diego. We love it down that way. Maybe take a couple days and get a hotel by the beach if you want beach time.
4. When it comes to Disneyland I recommend a park hopper. They are worth it because the parks are right next to each other. We hit one park in the morning and one different one in the evening.

As for time of year for us we love Halloween time at Disneyland. It is the very best time of year when it comes to rides and decorations. Christmas is good but if you go to Disney World during Christmas you will be disappointed with Disneyland because DW is simply the best during Christmas time. If you can make Halloween time work you will love the park but be warned it is hot during that time of year and seems like many people have heard about how great it is during that time of year.

Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[nouvellefleur]

Re: the beach question - my BIL's family always chooses Newport Beach. I grew up near Manhattan Beach but really don't know what it's like these days, except for far from Anaheim, haha. We're all visiting next summer with the extended family and chose Newport as our base.

Re: LA tours - I've had really good luck with booking tours on Viator, you might see if anything on there appeals to you, especially anything that bills itself as a local experience. Really scour the reviews before you book of course, but I've booked through Viator in two different cities while on solo trips and done really well with it.

 

[smartlabelprint]

HIPPO
DD 14 (she'll be 15 by the time we actually go) wants to go to California (we've always been a WDW family). I say likely only time going to California because of many reasons. So here are my questions and tips we're looking for and your help is greatly appreciated:

What time of year is BEST to go? December (Xmas Break), February (Winter Recess) or April (Easter Break). We're limited on when we can go because DD is going into private catholic HS this year and unless there's a school 'break', unexcused absences wont be taken well.

february

How many days would you spend at DL/DCA? And where would you recommend staying? (Want to be close to the parks, places to eat, definitely want a 'fun' pool, and comfortable amenities/spacious room.) On the WDW side we've always stayed at the Polynesian, Contemporary or Beach/Yacht Club Resorts. I know its different because WDW the resorts are on property and have transportation options.

5 days

Our choices this coming trip are:
Courtyard Inn Theme Park Entrance
Home2Suites on Manchester
Residence Inn
Hyatt House

We are too old for motels. I stayed 2 years ago at the BWPPI (without kids) and it was just too loud. If you’re used to hotels, stay in a hotel with indoor hallways. Also, my little kids / baby have sensory issues and need a quieter space.

I’ve heard good things about the Best Western that used to be the Red Lion. If we were going to start that far of a walk away we would be at Homewood Suites. We love it but just can’t deal with the walk with 3 kids under 7.

How many days would you spend at Universal? (studio tour is a must). And where would you recommend staying, if we decided to transfer from DC/DL area to US area?

1 and I would drive / bus/ tour from Anaheim. I was very underwhelmed. It’s nothing like FL.

Which airport would be best to fly into/out of? We're coming from NJ so likely flying out of EWR (Newark) and will need non-stop.
LAX with private driver to Anaheim
SNA use their taxi service

 

[Sirenitas]

We usually take a day or two of our DLR vacation to do something off property. We do rent a car just to have more control of what we want to do and for how long. But one time we had more people with us and we did a bus tour which took all day and took us to the Grauman's Theater area and we able to spend an hour walking around the Walk of Fame etc. Then it took us to the Santa Monica pier, Venice Beach (the area was dirty but not a huge deal for us since we had heard what it was like beforehand), and we had lunch at the Farmers Market.

On our own, one time we did the Griffith Observatory (went at opening), then we drove to the carousel where Walt would take his daughters (it is faster than any carousel I've ever been on!). Lunch at the Farmers Market (we go every chance we get!). Went to the La Brea tar pits, then to the LACMA and took pictures with the outdoor exhibits (I bet your daughter would like the lamplights - Urban Lights).

One time (during Oct) we went to El Capitan Theater and saw The Nightmare Before Christmas 4D. El Capitan always has Disney movies running, even do special showings of the classics and they do the premiers for the newest releases. There is also an exhibit room that usually has props/costumes for the newest Disney release.

The Last Bookstore is a fun place to check out - I could spend all day in there. The Petersen Museum is also very good but not sure if a 15 year old would think so It is a car museum, and while I have no interest in cars I found it very interesting.

If you like deluxe hotels at WDW then stay on property. The Grand Californian is like Wilderness Lodge on steroids (in a good way!). The Disneyland Hotel has a great pool (monorail themed) and Trader Sam's - but there is a massive construction project going on (DVC) that will take a long time to be finished.

We do 5 days in the parks but 4 will do for a first time. Hoppers are a must (we always get them at DLR but never at WDW) since it's so easy to hop. Make an ADR as soon as your window opens for Blue Bayou for 11:00 to get a waterside table. If the WoC dessert party is going on when you go - book it! We've done it twice and will do it again when it's back up and running. Best beignets are at Ralph Brennan's Kitchen Express in DtD (sorry Mint Julep Bar).

Of your dates we have gone in February. The weather was amazing - warm but not hot during the day. Yes, there were a couple of things closed but nothing to take away from the experience.

 

[cruisehopeful]

What time of year is BEST to go? December (Xmas Break), February (Winter Recess) or April (Easter Break). We're limited on when we can go because DD is going into private catholic HS this year and unless there's a school 'break', unexcused absences wont be taken well.

If you can go the week before Christmas, that's a nice time in the parks. It gets very cold as soon as the sun goes down and the sun will be gone around 5pm at that time of year. Easter breaks are different for all schools and can be extremely busy or not. At least the sun will be out longer.

How many days would you spend at DL/DCA? And where would you recommend staying?

Since you'll be going at a busy time, you'll want 4-5 days. Since you like deluxe hotels, Disney's Grand Californian is the best choice, followed by the DLH. There are a couple new deluxe hotels in the area: JW Marriott and Westin which will probably be about half the price of the Disney hotels and likely a better overall hotel stay. You can walk to the parks from any of those. When it's late and dark and cold, you'll want to walk to the Grand and not so much anywhere else. All pools will be cold at the times you are looking at going. Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park and is a couple miles from DL.

How many days would you spend at Universal? (studio tour is a must). And where would you recommend staying, if we decided to transfer from DC/DL area to US area?

One park day and stay at the Hilton next to it. It has a shuttle, but it's also an easy walk. There's a Sheraton next to that. It's a steep hill walking to the park, but if your legs aren't too tired at that point, you'll walk it. If your legs are sore and tired, use the shuttle.

Tour of LA to see and do the "touristy" things (walk of fame, griffith observatory, Rodeo Drive, etc.) - would one day or half a day suffice?

If you really aren't going to have a car, you'll need a full day.

We would LOVE to go to a beach and checkout activity on the boardwalk too - which one would be best for this? Thinking Venice Beach or Santa Monica Pier.

Those are easy to do together and it might be cold and windy when you go. Another beach option is Crystal Cove State Beach, which has tide pools and museum type things and a restaurant right on the sand. We watched dolphins while we ate there. Totally different experience than Venice/Santa Monica. I'm sure you can find a lot of pictures and videos online of both places. One is loud and obnoxious. One is more like a nature place.

We're not renting a car - just dont want to be bothered and rather just use uber/lyft (i'm aware its much more costly this way, but it is what it is). With that said, based on above - is it better to stay a few days in the DCA/DL area then transfer to a hotel in the US area?

Transfer is the way to go. Be ready for surge pricing where the Uber/Lyft ride can go double, triple or more.

Are uber/lyfts fairly easy to get when we need them?

In most cases, yes. With surge pricing, you may end up getting a better deal taking a taxi once in a while. Also, be prepared with Uber/Lyft that you can have a good driver who knows what they are doing or you can have a newbie who doesn't know the area at all and will randomly drop you off in the middle of the street in a panic.

 

[sjmac42]

Hi, sounds like a great trip but may I ask how many nights you are planning? Because overall I’d recommend a split stay between Anaheim and LA, say 3-5 nights in Anaheim and 3-5 in LA depending which beach area you visit. So at least a full week to 10 days. Remember Anaheim is in a different county to LA so think of Disneyland to LA like WDW to Kennedy Space Centre. You may want to hire a car for a day or 2 as rideshares will cost a fortune and public transport can be time consuming. LA itself is a very spread out conglomeration of several smaller cities and Disneyland is located in an adjacent county. Personally, I never visit LA without a car as it’s much easier for when you are not in the parks.

For Anaheim, there are dozens of hotels and motels within walking distance of the parks. The Main entrance is opposite the Best Western Park Place Inn at 1544 South Harbour Boulevarde. it is a 5 min walk to the turnstiles for both parks from there so if you use that as a reference point it will give you an idea of how far away you will be. Other places I have stayed that I would recommend, with approx walking time, are Park Vue Inn (5 mins), Fairfield Inn (8 mins), Howard Johnson (11 mins), Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites (7 mins) and Hilton Anaheim (18 mins). I have visited but not stayed at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (8 mins, looks to have the best off property pool), Springhill Suites (15 mins, rooftop pool) and Hyatt House (15 mins) all of which are quite new, look nice and get good reviews. Overall there’s a good mix of properties within walking distance but if you’re used to the Poly then the Grand Californian (6 mins) and Disneyland Hotel (my favourite, 8 mins) would be your best options. Great pools and theming with both of those. Never stayed at Paradise Pier because it’s too far away to justify the on property price at 20 mins or so from the turnstiles.

Now I’ve had 10 day tickets in the past so I like to spend a lot of time there. Christmas 2019 was my last trip and really the crowds were very low from the 21st to 26th Dec (Christmas day was a ghost town but I think that’s unusual) although all bets may be off this year. But generally, Christmas is a fantastic time to visit as long as you can avoid the days from Christmas or Boxing Day to just after New Years. If visiting at Christmas, I’d get 4-5 day hoppers. If in February, 3 day hoppers would probably suffice but as mentioned, that can be a time for ride refurbishments. I’d avoid Easter.

For Beaches, my favourite is Newport Beach near Anaheim (30-40 mins by car). Huntington Beach, about 20 mins away, is also great and Santa Monica may have some homeless these days but it’s an upmarket location so residents may see a handful scattered here and there as an issue more so than the residents of Venice Beach see the dozens that have always been hanging around there do. So I wouldn’t scratch Santa Monica unless you hear from people who have been there recently to see if it really is a problem these days, it’s usually an excellent, desirable city to visit.

As for LA, I think Beverly Grove would be ideal. Reasonable transport links, plenty of shopping, dining and attractions nearby and about as central as it’s possible to get in very spread out LA. You have the Beverly Centre and The Grove shopping centres, the Farmers Market and you’re reasonably close to La Brea Tarpits, a pretty unique sight in the middle of a city, along with various museums.

Hollywood would also work well and has direct transport links to Universal (agree, 1 day is fine) although some find it a bit gritty. Stay around Hollywood and Highland though and you’ll be fine. Loews Hollywood is a good choice. The Hop On Hop Off buses also leave from Hollywood so they are a good way to visit the main sights but give yourself a few days, it can take half a day just to visit a few of the sights in Griffith Park. If you really only want to give the LA sights one day, then consider staying in Anaheim the whole time and use someone like the Anaheim Tour Company for an LA tour and a Universal Tour on 2 seperate days. Thing is is you’ll miss a lot of what LA has to offer by just giving it one day but it’s up to you.

So sorry that’s so long but I hope it helps. I’ve visited LA and Disneyland many times over the years and still have things I want to see more of. Enjoy your trip.

 

[redleader74]

I'll just throw in my two cents with regards to weather. We were just at Disneyland two weeks ago and even with the temperature in the low to mid 80's we found it too uncomfortable. In the future we'll be going in the fall or winter to avoid the heat. Maybe we're just not hot weather people but if the weather is not agreeable to you (whether its hot or cold) you find yourself doing significantly less than you would if it were.

Oh and I do love Santa Monica and Venice Beach. It might be an aquired taste and maybe even a bit gritty, but I find it very interesting area. "beach" wise it won't compare to the other beach in CA though.

 

[evilmommie]

Jaded native So cal'er here. hahaha. Born and raised. Lived and went to school in LA: raised in OC (Worked at D-Land in HS and college). Back to living in OC. (Have lived all over the world - retired Army RN.....anyway)

I'd skip Hollywood and LA for the most part. Maybe hit Universal. Stay at the Sheraton, walk to the City Walk and Universal. I really like a previous poster's idea of Beverly Hills. Do a nice hotel that gets you close to the Bev Center, Farmer's Market, etc. Plenty of great hotels in that area, that won't break the bank and you'll still feel the LA vibe. And, if you really wanted to get to Santa Monica, it's adjacent. Personally, I think if you're wanting to tack on a trip to LA you're going to need a car. It's easier and less expensive than Lyfting all over the City of Angels. They will get you with their fares and expected tips.

My trip would focus on some solid days at the Disneyland resort and then book a stay in Laguna Beach or San Diego. Great beaches, activities, hiking trails, shops... other theme parks in San Diego. I've raised 4 kids that are now adults and when they come home to visit, they always head to those locations for fun and adventure.