Resort Help

[woody5]

We are a family of five and planning a trip to DL over our spring break, last week of March. I am a seasoned WDW vet but never been to DL. Can someone recommend some hotels for me. On sight I am considering the Disneyland Hotel but would like to consider some off site alternatives. When at Disneyworld we are moderate resort folks. Any suggestions? Also, how many days should we allow for DL and California adventure? Also what else to do with kids 16,13 and 9? Any and all help welcomed.

 

[AFMom]

Fun!!! If you'd like a reccomendation for off-site - I always recommend the Candy Cane Inn. Great complimentary breakfast, thei own shuttle, but also walking distance, and very nice room/hotel.
DLH is very nice - and I'm sure you'd enjoy it - great for kids, and has the wonderfully themed Neverland Pool. It's considered a bit more than a moderate because of all the amenities - bell services, etc - but as far as theming, comfort, etc - it's very nice!
If you've never been, I would say 4 park days is a great ammount of time to spend - depending on crowds, you should be able to see both parks and most of the shows, and still be able to go back and see your favorites. 4 days will also gove you a bit of downtime at a pool if you need it! We generally go at least 3 now, but 4 is far more relaxing and you don't have to feel rushed..... especially with attendance being up for the 50th.
There is so much to do in So Cal - if you'd like to you could spend weeks! Universal Studios is nearby - not as good as the one in Orlando - but still fun. In San Diego there's the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, as well as Sea World (about 3 hour drive away. You're right near Hollywood, and many beaches. I think your best bet is to decide what sort of "other' you're thinking of - and how far you're willing to go for it - and then we can all give you better suggestions.
Have fun!

 

[ktglads]

We stayed with a party of 5 at the Carousel Inn in a view suite over the summer. It was IIRC $159 a night with 3 double beds and a pull out sofa. This would allow you the peace of not having the kids share beds or hearing the arguements over who gets to sleep by themselves. You also get 2 fridges and microwaves and 2 tvs. There is only 1 bathroom, so I don't know if that would be a problem for you.

Oh, and you can see the Disneyland fireworks from the room there as well, even if you get a lower floor.

 

[woody5]

I can get either the Disneyland Hotel for $165 on Expedia or Paradise Pier for the same on Southwest during our time frame. Is one better than the other? I checked Candy Cane but it didn't have any rooms for us at our vacation time. How far are the beaches? We would definitely like to go there. Also my son would love Lego Land. Is it near by and worth the money? I would also like to tour Hollywood, I assume those are available. Also should we rent a car or use shuttle services and cabs. We have never been here so we are not familiar with the driving. Thanks.

 

[lark]

I can get either the Disneyland Hotel for $165 on Expedia or Paradise Pier for the same on Southwest during our time frame. Is one better than the other? I checked Candy Cane but it didn't have any rooms for us at our vacation time. How far are the beaches? We would definitely like to go there. Also my son would love Lego Land. Is it near by and worth the money? I would also like to tour Hollywood, I assume those are available. Also should we rent a car or use shuttle services and cabs. We have never been here so we are not familiar with the driving. Thanks.

Disneyland Hotel is better. Better chance of getting a larger room there too. Slightly closer to the parks. Better theming. Great character meal restaurant in the lobby. Better pool. Not that PP is bad, and I'm sure it has it's fans, but my hunch is you won't find too many here on the boards that would tell you (assuming the same view category -- standard) that PP is BETTER than DLH for the SAME price.

Legoland is a one hour drive. Your family seems a little old. Nine is right on the border of when many of the attractions stop being fun. 16 and 13 are definitely too old, unless they are the kind of kids who really enjoy watching their younger sibling have fun. The've built a few new rides to appeal to slightly older kids -- maybe 3 or 4. The park is most fun, IMHO, for 3 to 7 year olds.

If you do go, try to go on a week day. (During some times of the year, the park is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, so check.) The rides there are almost all slow loaders -- think of 20 rides just like dumbo; certain number get on and ride, and then get off, and the next batch goes on; very few continuous loaders. As a result, it's a wonderful park when it's not crowded, but brutal when it's packed.

 

[abby]

We enjoy the DLH. Stayed there in April and have reservations again in late January. The staff members were helpful, and grounds nice and my dd loved the pool. (I enjoyed room service twice and the bar by the pool for a glass of wine.....)

What ever you decide I am sure you will have a great time.

 

[Funbobbi]

There are five of us (adults) going, and we have decided to stay the the Embassy Suites South Anaheim (Garden Grove). It's a one bedroom suite which is really handy. Haven't stayed there before but have heard some great reviews about it. They have a great made to order breakfast. It's a bit of a walk from Disneyland 10 - 15 mins., but they also have a $3 shuttle. I'll let you know how it was when we get back from our trip.





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Disneyland August 1989
Disneyland July 1994
Disneyworld April 1997
Disneyland May 2001
Disneyland December 2005

 

[Amy&Dan]

I can get either the Disneyland Hotel for $165 on Expedia or Paradise Pier for the same on Southwest during our time frame. Is one better than the other? :

Definitely go with the Disneyland Hotel. I have always enjoyed Paradise Pier but only stay there to save money as I think the DLH is the better themed, nicer hotel. The pool are is far superior, there are more dining choices and the walk is a bit less. And $165 is a very good deal for the DLH!