Sample DL/So California itinerary?

[huskermommy]

I feel like I'm a WDW planning pro, but I feel completley lost beginning my planning to DL. We're headed to DL and Southern California in June and I have no idea where to start. Would anyone be willing to share an itinerary with me that includes DL/California Adventure and other So Cal attractions including where you stayed, etc.?

On the trip will be myself, DH, 3 year old DS, 5 year old DD and 6 year old DD, I'm thinking we'll go Sunday through Sunday. We want to do DL and California Adventure for sure...how many days/nights will be enough? I'm thinking maybe going to a beach, LA and/or San Diego. Any ideas and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

TIA!

 

[jonsmom57]

I feel like I'm a WDW planning pro, but I feel completley lost beginning my planning to DL. We're headed to DL and Southern California in June and I have no idea where to start. Would anyone be willing to share an itinerary with me that includes DL/California Adventure and other So Cal attractions including where you stayed, etc.?

On the trip will be myself, DH, 3 year old DS, 5 year old DD and 6 year old DD, I'm thinking we'll go Sunday through Sunday. We want to do DL and California Adventure for sure...how many days/nights will be enough? I'm thinking maybe going to a beach, LA and/or San Diego. Any ideas and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

TIA!

I totally understand where you are coming from. Out of the blue (after several trips to WDW) my husband decided we should try DL instead. I feel totally lost, almost like going to a foreign country.

Try reading some trip reports and the stickys that are posted on this website. There is tons of info there.

It seems that staying onsite really doesnt have any of the advantages of staying onsite at WDW. Also, if you are used to the dining plan at WDW, the plan at DL doesnt compare. So we have to wing it, I guess. Though I did get a tip that we needed to eat at Blue Bayou, if overlooks Pirates ride.

I am very interested in the Southern California Adventure Pass. It is well priced, it includes 3 days at DL, Hollywood Studios, Seaworld, San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. Its $283 for an adult, less for kiddies.

I assume that after we are done with DL we will need to rent a car.

Please be sure to read those stickys that compare DL to WDW.

Good Luck!

 

[DangerMouse]

You'll want to start with Hydro's sticky at the top of this page, especially the "DLR for WDW Vets" thread.

Then make sure you are staying in a hotel that is within walking distance to the parks. Look at this map for reference. Right across from the entrance on Harbor is your best bet.

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

I also recommend the S. Cal City Pass. It's a good value for sure.

Have fun planning!

 

[HydroGuy]

I feel like I'm a WDW planning pro, but I feel completley lost beginning my planning to DL. We're headed to DL and Southern California in June and I have no idea where to start. Would anyone be willing to share an itinerary with me that includes DL/California Adventure and other So Cal attractions including where you stayed, etc.?

On the trip will be myself, DH, 3 year old DS, 5 year old DD and 6 year old DD, I'm thinking we'll go Sunday through Sunday. We want to do DL and California Adventure for sure...how many days/nights will be enough? I'm thinking maybe going to a beach, LA and/or San Diego. Any ideas and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

TIA!

Here is some reading material for you:

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

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

I would strongly recommend you take a look at RideMax. It was very helpful to me in getting a grasp of WDW touring. They have a DLR version as well as WDW. Go to www.ridemax.com.

 

[huskermommy]

Thank you so much for your responses..they've been extremely helpful! Already I decided to get the So. Cal Adventure Pass and stay in a walking-distance hotel. Now to figure out the details...

HydroGuy - Of course, I found your AMAZING sticky thread AFTER I posted!
What fabulous information...I feel 100% better after reading it. Thank you!

All the best!

 

[Hound 109]

I totally understand where you are coming from. Out of the blue (after several trips to WDW) my husband decided we should try DL instead. I feel totally lost, almost like going to a foreign country.

Try reading some trip reports and the stickys that are posted on this website. There is tons of info there.

It seems that staying onsite really doesnt have any of the advantages of staying onsite at WDW. Also, if you are used to the dining plan at WDW, the plan at DL doesnt compare. So we have to wing it, I guess. Though I did get a tip that we needed to eat at Blue Bayou, if overlooks Pirates ride.

I am very interested in the Southern California Adventure Pass. It is well priced, it includes 3 days at DL, Hollywood Studios, Seaworld, San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. Its $283 for an adult, less for kiddies.

I assume that after we are done with DL we will need to rent a car.

Please be sure to read those stickys that compare DL to WDW.

Good Luck!

Just a couple of minor corrections (opinions):

- It's DLR (not DL) if comparing with WDW. DLR includes DL, DCA, DTD, & the Three Hotels on property. DL is just the park (great & original that it is).

- Depending on the time of year & the days of the week, staying on property provides the very nice advantage of EE each day it's offered. More valuable than morning EMH at WDW & for my family, EE is a real perk.

- Also if coming from WDW, staying at a Disney Hotel (the first time) provides a DLR newbie family with the "immersion" that is often discussed as a BIG difference between DLR & WDW. Especially since you stroll thru DTD to get to the parks.

Read all of HydroGuy's threads & MaryJo's thread. Lots & Lots of great info.

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's park.


hound -