San Diego & DL--Day trip or 2 stays?

[KyMattDisney]

Looking to go to DL and also do some SD sites (Sea World/Zoo)..does it make more sense to just drive there for those days...or do DL first and then drive to SD and leave from there?

Also..how many days to allow in DL...going in July for first time..with 2 boys, ages 10 & 5...don't want to be rushed

 

[vjc715]

We always did DL for 3-4 days and San Diego 2-3 days....in that order. We found it nice to end our trip with San Diego because it can be more relaxing there.

DL can be crowded, lines to wait, etc. I find SanDiego a bit more laid back, and the perfect way to unwind.

 

[KyMattDisney]

thanks...any hotel recommendations in San Diego?

 

[geffric]

Have you thought of LegoLand ?.. it is inbetween DL and SDand great fun..

 

[vjc715]

I personally LOVE the Hyatt Islandia. The higher the floor you are in this hotel the better!!! One side overlooks the ocean with no obstructions....and the other side of this hotel overlooks the marina, coronado island bridge and sea world firewords at night.

You can sit on your balconey and enjoy any view! It's the best! Very relaxing. The service has always been spectacular too! Plus there is nice areas to walk around outside the hotel. Great pool and jacuzzi! They have a very comfortable bar.

What we usually had done was get a conceirge room...which is the 2nd from the top floor. We get a marina view. Because unless they have changed it since we were there last....the conceirge room w/all the goodies was on the ocean view side. The room is great to just relax and hang out. They always had excellent pastries for breakfast and a variety of juice. Plus you would get a paper every morning. If we did not want to eat in the conceirge room, they offered trays that you can take the food back to your room if you wished! It sure saves money in the long run when you have a family of 4 to feed too! I find myself not midning to be more in my room.

The only downfall is this is an older hotel, and the rooms are not as lush or posh as normal Hyatt resorts. But the location and views make up for it!!!

http://islandia.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

If you need to watch your pennies...there are some places in Hotel Circle. They don't have any views....but well worth how close you are to everything.

http://www.sandiego.org/
on this website.... search in the upper left corner HOTEL CIRCLE
A bunch of hotels will pop up with a map.

and/or you can call the visitors bureau directly and ask them if they can suggest a hotel for you
(619) 236-1212

I've stayed here before I found the Hyatt...and it was nice. I don't know their pricing though!
http://www.doubletreeclubsd.com/

Once you find a hotel that you like, call them directly. Get pricing. THEN check out www.expedia.com Sometimes they beat the hotels direct pricing, and sometimes I find it better to call the hotel directly. I do both ;-)

Have a blast!!!

 

[4eeyore]

Definitely do DL first. We flew into San Diego and drove up to DL and stayed for 3 nights then drove back to San Diego and stayed for 5 nights. San Diego is very laid back and fun. If you go in the summer try to hit a Padres game - we had a blast. San Diegans are a rowdy bunch! We stayed at the Catamaran in Mission Beach. The hotel itself was nice but the rooms were dated and had small bathrooms. The location can't be beat with Mission Bay right behind the hotel and the ocean on the other side of Mission Boulevard. Mission Beach area itself is a bit funky, but it grew on us (we are used to shore towns in South Jersey). Make sure to visit the zoo and walk through Balboa Park, it is beautiful.