Questions

[Sammy Cat]

We just went to WDW and now we are thinking of planning a trip to DL California in the next year or so. We want to fully enjoy both DL parks, Universal Studios, San diego Zoo, etc. We would probably want at least a week.

Just some questions:

1. Where would you recommend staying? We love to swim (themed pools are great) and wouldn't mind a view of the glorious fireworks in DL each night.

2. How much time do we need in each park (ie. in Disneyland and California Adventures) to get the full benefit, see everything and still be able to relax and enjoy ourselves?

3. What's the best time to go to avoid crowds and to enjoy milder temperatures (While still being able to swim outside)? We had a bad experience with the heat in Florida. We have two children in school so I am thinking around end of March/early April during their spring break. Or would there be a better time for this while still not missing too much school?

Thanks for the help!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We just went to WDW and now we are thinking of planning a trip to DL California in the next year or so. We want to fully enjoy both DL parks, Universal Studios, San diego Zoo, etc. We would probably want at least a week.

Just some questions:

1. Where would you recommend staying? We love to swim (themed pools are great) and wouldn't mind a view of the glorious fireworks in DL each night.

2. How much time do we need in each park (ie. in Disneyland and California Adventures) to get the full benefit, see everything and still be able to relax and enjoy ourselves?

3. What's the best time to go to avoid crowds and to enjoy milder temperatures (While still being able to swim outside)? We had a bad experience with the heat in Florida. We have two children in school so I am thinking around end of March/early April during their spring break. Or would there be a better time for this while still not missing too much school?

Thanks for the help!

1- Howard Johnson's (hojo) has a really cool themed splash pool (pirate theme). It's just down the street..a fairly small walk. They also have rooms that are Disney view. Hopefully other people can help you more here as I haven't stayed in those rooms. A lot of local hotels have a deck where you can go up to view the fireworks. If you want to stay on site, I'm sure other people have some great ideas

2-I've done Disneyland (before CA was built) in 3 days. I'd probably say the minimum if you wanna do both parks and do them right would be 4 days. This is JMHO tho!!

3- California heat is WAY different than Florida heat! Dry heat makes a huge difference. April is probably safe for swimming but sometimes gets cool and rains. I'd suggest early June because some schools aren't out yet (so crowds tend to be a little lower) and it's not super duper hot yet. (sometimes) Other people might have more for you here too.

 

[TeddiBarra]

I would suggest 4 days for DL and DCA.

If you are planning next year, an entire new land is opening at California Adventure (DCA). . . so I'd really suggest you wait until the end of June. Now, June is hit or miss. It's very common for June gloom to dominate SoCal weather (meaning cool and overcast until around 1 pm or so, when the marine layer burns off). Personally, I like June gloom. We're heading to DLR next week- forecase is higher 70's. This is also nothing like Floriday. *really* nothing like FL.

I wouldn't recommend spring break week. But then again, if June is when Carsland opens it will be craaaazy busy then too. So, maybe next September would be better

But yes, 8 days if you could 4 at disneyland, keep disneyland as your center hub- it's drivable to US (plan on an hour to 90 mins each way for that) and same for the zoo. Seaworld or Legoland or Knotts are other good options (or the beach, that's free).

 

[HydroGuy]

We just went to WDW and now we are thinking of planning a trip to DL California in the next year or so. We want to fully enjoy both DL parks, Universal Studios, San diego Zoo, etc. We would probably want at least a week.

Just some questions:

1. Where would you recommend staying? We love to swim (themed pools are great) and wouldn't mind a view of the glorious fireworks in DL each night.

2. How much time do we need in each park (ie. in Disneyland and California Adventures) to get the full benefit, see everything and still be able to relax and enjoy ourselves?

3. What's the best time to go to avoid crowds and to enjoy milder temperatures (While still being able to swim outside)? We had a bad experience with the heat in Florida. We have two children in school so I am thinking around end of March/early April during their spring break. Or would there be a better time for this while still not missing too much school?

Thanks for the help!

DLR is different than WDW and if you try to hard to avoid crowds you will be like many others who come back here later complaining about all the refurbs during their trip.

See

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

If you truly, truly want low crowds and milder temperatures, go in May. But that will mean you will miss the grand opening in June of Cars Land - a whole new land at DCA with three new rides - including the much anticipated Radiator Springs Racers - a Test Track-like ride with two cars in parallel which race.

Also, the Matterhorn will reportedly be down January-June 2012.

I recommend getting a hotel within walking distance. See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

The question "how much time in each park" is very much a WDW type of question that does not translate to DLR very well. A better question is how much time do we need at DLR and how many times should we park hop each day? And the answer would be - starting with Cars Land - you need a minimum of four days at DLR and five is better. Right now you can squeeze with three days. By next summer it will be four.

And you should park hop at least once a day to get the most out of the parks. We rarely spend a whole day in a single park and sometimes hop as many as four times a day.

This thread may help...

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[PinkBudgie]

I would avoid spring break and June. IMO, July is the best month when you have to follow the school schedule. Those with kids out of school are spread out over the whole summer whereas they all cram in during the few weeks of spring break.

Next summer Carsland is set to open, I'm guessing somewhere in June, but we don't know yet. So, I expect all those locals with Socal APs to flood the parks before they are blocked out for the summer (like we saw this summer with the opening of two new rides). To allow for that and for Carsland to finish (hopefully), July should be a good time to go. If you go in Aug, be sure to check to see when Socal APs are unblocked. The first week or two is probably safe. If you go in September, a few things may be down depending on when you go.

4 days minimum, but if you go in the summer I'd suggest 5 days. To allow for swimming and the new attractions.

 

[Sammy Cat]

Thank you!!! for all your helpful responses. This is what I love about Disboards, a lot of wonderful, great advice from very nice people!!

I didn't know about Carsland! That's great news! I just told my son about it and he just about flipped out. He loves cars and the cars movies. In fact, on our last holiday we were asking eachother why Disney doesn't have a cars ride. That's terrific.

So it looks like it will be difficult to avoid the crowds no matter what. I wonder if end of August/early September would work (before the kids start back at school.) Would it still be quite hot? June was mentioned as a possibility, too. I am tracking California weather on my desktop already and it was cooler there today than it was in Canada. But I guess it is hit or miss that way. As you say, it is a dry heat and not nearly as hard to take as Florida. Good to know!

Thanks again for the responses. This will be a huge help in planning our next Disney vacation. Getting excited already!

 

[skiingfast]

End of summeris hottest in Southern California. Look at this link.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

Don't let that deter you though. It's dry and doesn't have thunderstorms like Florida.

I would really push for later as other suggested. Spring break may be cool and crowded. Summer is busy but crowds are spread out. If Carsland opens while you are there, which could happen in June, it will be crazy busy. So better to hold off and let things calm down.

But careful at the end of August and beginning of September. First Monday in September is a US Holiday and busy 3 day weekend.

Also APs will become unblocked and rush to the park when schools are still out. We don't know how much of a problem those AP holders will be and won't until we see the 2012 AP blockout calender and know when Carsland opens. I think this year will be a moderate problem because they were unblocked when new attractions opened and many have already ridden Star Tours and Little Mermaid. But if they are blocked before given a chance to see Carsland, they will all come as soon as the summers blackouts end.

 

[sonnyjane]

So it looks like it will be difficult to avoid the crowds no matter what. I wonder if end of August/early September would work (before the kids start back at school.) Would it still be quite hot? June was mentioned as a possibility, too. I am tracking California weather on my desktop already and it was cooler there today than it was in Canada. But I guess it is hit or miss that way. As you say, it is a dry heat and not nearly as hard to take as Florida. Good to know!

If Carsland is something you really want to see, I'd probably go later in the summer than June. All we've heard is "summer 2012", so it might not even be open in June! Coming later would increase your chances of seeing Carsland. If you come in August, try to come a little bit earlier in August. The last week or two of August is usually unblocked to AP holders, which means much larger crowds than just regular summer crowds. I wouldn't worry too much about the heat. It might get hot, but it won't be humid - nothing a water ride or dip in the pool can't fix

 

[starshine514]

3- California heat is WAY different than Florida heat! Dry heat makes a huge difference. April is probably safe for swimming but sometimes gets cool and rains. I'd suggest early June because some schools aren't out yet (so crowds tend to be a little lower) and it's not super duper hot yet. (sometimes) Other people might have more for you here too.

OK. I'm confused. People say it's a dry heat, but then I look at Hydroguy's post with charts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158) and see humidity from 55% - 80% year-round? Am I missing something? Or is my interpretation of 'dry' severely skewed by living in Arizona?

 

[sonnyjane]

OK. I'm confused. People say it's a dry heat, but then I look at Hydroguy's post with charts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158) and see humidity from 55% - 80% year-round? Am I missing something? Or is my interpretation of 'dry' severely skewed by living in Arizona?

Hahha, yes, probably skewed by living in Arizona. I lived in Florida for 7 years, 5 of those years in Miami where the humidity was hardly ever less that 90%! Now than I live in San Diego, I'm in heaven.

 

[HydroGuy]

OK. I'm confused. People say it's a dry heat, but then I look at Hydroguy's post with charts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158) and see humidity from 55% - 80% year-round? Am I missing something? Or is my interpretation of 'dry' severely skewed by living in Arizona?

The humidity is "relative humidity". Hot air can hold more water moisture. So the same amount of water content in the air has a lower relative humidity when the temperature is cooler than when it is warmer.

In other words a relative humidity of 50% when it is 70F outside means there is less moisture in the air than when the relative humidity is 50% and it is 90F outside.

 

[HappyHaunt]

OK. I'm confused. People say it's a dry heat, but then I look at Hydroguy's post with charts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158) and see humidity from 55% - 80% year-round? Am I missing something? Or is my interpretation of 'dry' severely skewed by living in Arizona?

Yeah, people So. Cal have a different view of "dry". We love it because it's right in the middle. Not TOO humid, but it's FAR from dry (we live in Nevada, and also know what real dry is). My son always goes "ahhh I feel the moisture in the air" when we get out of the car for the first time in DL. lol But if we're comparing it to Florida, well that's not humid that's just a constant steam bath. lol

 

[starry_solo]

If you're going to do Sea World, San Diego Zoo, etc., you might consider getting the Southern California City Pass. See:
http://www.citypass.com/southern-california

SAVE 32% with Southern California CityPASS

3 days at Disneyland Resort plus admission
to 3 more Southern California attractions
CITYPASS GIVES YOU:
3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper
including
Disney California Adventure Park

PLUS ADMISSION TO:
Universal Studios Hollywood
SeaWorld
San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Adults - $276; children - $229

- CityPASS is valid 14 days from day of first use

This year, the weather has been strange. In June it was hot, then cold, hot, then cold (weekly). I would also recommend waiting until late Summer 2012 to go, if you want to see Carsland. Summer ends in mid-to-late September, if I remember correctly.

Remember, though, the last week of August is when DLR is unblocked for the lowest So Cal annual passes so there might be a crowd then too.

 

[tink2dw]

I like to fly into San Diego first, to do that section of our trip first. 1 day will take care of San Diego Zoo. But DO BE Prepared that the San Diego Zoo is on hills straight down and straight up!!! An ECV scooter barely made it up. Also When you go it is important to know if children are old enough for this trek. Like Disney has refurb schedules, so does the Zoo! Certain projects can block you from seeing your favorate animals.

San Diego's Sea World is fun and the children can swim with the dolphins. You can look it up on www.seaworld.com/sandiego

Also check out www.MouseSavers.com for DLR discounts that will help you!!

Universal Hollywood is a small Park it has a top part and a lower section. DO do the tram ride unless you have small children who scare easy.

Have Fun!!

 

[starshine514]

DO BE Prepared that the San Diego Zoo is on hills straight down and straight up!!! An ECV scooter barely made it up. Also When you go it is important to know if children are old enough for this trek.

I must second this warning. Don't even attempt it if you are pushing someone in a wheelchair!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

There's no way I'd chance a trip in June and accidentally miss Carsland. I definitely agree with early August--the SoCal AP's are still blocked those first two weeks usually. Local schools don't start until September (unlike many other parts of the country, the SoCal school calendar is September to June rather than August to May) so the end of August and beginning of Sept. will definitely be crowded with AP locals getting into Carsland. It will be hot but not the Arizona-type dry heat. It's actually a perfect heat .

 

[Sammy Cat]

If you're going to do Sea World, San Diego Zoo, etc., you might consider getting the Southern California City Pass. See:
http://www.citypass.com/southern-california

SAVE 32% with Southern California CityPASS

3 days at Disneyland Resort plus admission
to 3 more Southern California attractions
CITYPASS GIVES YOU:
3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper
including
Disney California Adventure Park

PLUS ADMISSION TO:
Universal Studios Hollywood
SeaWorld
San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Adults - $276; children - $229

- CityPASS is valid 14 days from day of first use

This year, the weather has been strange. In June it was hot, then cold, hot, then cold (weekly). I would also recommend waiting until late Summer 2012 to go, if you want to see Carsland. Summer ends in mid-to-late September, if I remember correctly.

Remember, though, the last week of August is when DLR is unblocked for the lowest So Cal annual passes so there might be a crowd then too.

That City Pass seems like a really good thing! I'll definitely check into that, thanks. I would agree that the weather has been strange everywhere this year.

Okay, looks like I should avoid late August due to the AP holders....I am thinking now of waiting until Christmas 2012 or March 2013 just to ensure we enjoy Carsland and avoid the hot weather. I don't want to chance being out there in 100+ heat, even if it is not as humid as Florida.

As far as being busy, is spring break (March) really that bad? My brother and his kids went to DL over spring break (late March/early April) a couple of years ago and on video the park didn't look busy at all (although it was a bit rainy and cold - they had jackets on). But it looked practically empty.

 

[Sammy Cat]

There's no way I'd chance a trip in June and accidentally miss Carsland. I definitely agree with early August--the SoCal AP's are still blocked those first two weeks usually. Local schools don't start until September (unlike many other parts of the country, the SoCal school calendar is September to June rather than August to May) so the end of August and beginning of Sept. will definitely be crowded with AP locals getting into Carsland. It will be hot but not the Arizona-type dry heat. It's actually a perfect heat .

Good to know about the school schedule, thanks! If we do decide to chance the summer heat, I suppose late July or early Aug seems to be our best bet.

 

[Sammy Cat]

I want to bump this for anyone who might have additional advice for me.

Thanks!

 

[nannyz]

Over the years I have stayed at just about every motel around DL and feel that the HoJo is by far the best. Will not consider any other from now on. We always get a 6-day park hopper. We don't have to stress over not getting to see everything. If we don't do it on one day, we can do it the next. And if we want to just sit and enjoy the surroundings, we can.