So I have never been to Disneyland...

[Matt@WDWR]

should I wait until California Adventure completes its refurb or not? I think I can get there this fall but I can't decide what we should do. Flights from Atlanta our there aren't cheap but I have always wanted to go.

 

[lisah0711]

I would wait until at least summer of 2010 when they start World of Color at DCA if I were you. There is a lot of refurbs going on now -- lots and lots of walls. I think that you might want your first visit to Walt's original park to be as magical as possible and it is definitely not up to its full potential now.

Enjoy your planning!

 

[mikelan6]

The thing you should take into account is that because of the state of the economy at the moment, you might be able to find some great airfare and hotel deals that you might not get next year. I would keep an eye out for a great deal and if you find one, go for it.

Even though DCA is being refurbished, there are still a lot of great things to see and do. Remember the crown jewel of all Disney parks worldwide is Disneyland Park in California and that's not going through a lot of refurbs.

 

[zendisney]

Definately take advantage of the cheap airline fares. GOOOOO!!!!!
I really enjoy Disneyland. I love both parks. I think Disneyland is great. Yes, it is smaller- 2 parks instead of 4 but there is a lot to do and they have some different attractions of course. When we go we usually spend about three days touring both parks total... in between we usually venture out in to Hollywood. That is a cool thing to do. Go to Pinks and get a hotdog, stroll Hollywood Blvd. it can be a blast, plus there's Universal, Knott's Berry Farms, LEGOLAND, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo. I am going in September for the D23 Expo I can't wait.

 

[stitchlover]

Matt-We went to DLR for the first time last June and it was wonderful. We can't wait to go back. We thought about going this summer but have decided to put it off until next summer when more of the rehab is done. Although the Disneyland Podcast Correspondents said there really is no reason to hold off and wait until next year. I think I would make sure World of Color is up and running if I were going to go this year. As a previous poster mentioned the crown jewel is really the DL park.

Quick note...World of Color actually will open this summer according to everything I can find on the internet.

 

[Matt@WDWR]

Okay, I'm thinking of surprising my wife with a trip to Disneyland for an anniversary trip. First thing... is it worth it to stay at a Disneyland Hotel? Which would you recommend? The 5 for 3 deal is pretty good. If not what are the best and closest "Good Neighbor" hotels?

Next question, Is it possible to get decent deals on flights around Labor Day or should I choose another weekend? (Labor Day would give me an extra day that wouldn't count against my vacation time).

 

[stitchlover]

Pete swears by the Disneyland Hotel. That is where we plan to stay next year.

 

[mejkjj97]

We went to Disneyland a couple of years back and loved it. We actually started in San Diego, for 5 days and then spent 3 more Disneyland.

I have to agree with Pete also on the San Diego Wild Life Park. This was one of the best places I have ever visited. We went on a whim and ended up loving it and stayed from opening to closing.

We stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel- it was nice nothing great but nice. One of the best things is all 3 hotels are in walking distance to the parks which is great!!

 

[Matt@WDWR]

I'm just going to keep asking questions... lol If i do the Dining plan, what restaurants would you recommend?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Okay, I'm thinking of surprising my wife with a trip to Disneyland for an anniversary trip. First thing... is it worth it to stay at a Disneyland Hotel? Which would you recommend? The 5 for 3 deal is pretty good. If not what are the best and closest "Good Neighbor" hotels?

Next question, Is it possible to get decent deals on flights around Labor Day or should I choose another weekend? (Labor Day would give me an extra day that wouldn't count against my vacation time).

You know we're going to have packages for labor Day weekend - for the DIS event being held in conjunction with the Half Marathon.....

The DLH is great - has lots of charm. We also love the GCH - the same architect as the WL and AKL - we got married there back in 2001. It really depends on the price you want to pay.

By the way - World of Color is Spring 2010

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Hey - if interested - join our Disneyland Conversations thread - play along with us - we had fun last night. NC Belle was trying to stump me with some creative questions!!!

 

[daneenm]

I'm just going to keep asking questions... lol If i do the Dining plan, what restaurants would you recommend?

Don't do the dining plan. It is not the same as the one in WDW. I have never understood why you would do it...does not seem to bring any extra value.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Okay, I have to ask...What is World of Color?

I'm planning a DL trip for hopefully late 2010 or maybe spring of 2011. I've always wanted to see DL. I do want to wait until more of the rehab is done. I don't know when I'd get back again so I'd like to go when more of the rehab is done.

 

[PinkBudgie]

The entire thing is supposed to be done by 2012, but various things will be finished along the way. If it was me I'd pick spring over winter because the weather will hopefully be nicer. But that comes down to personal preference. MiceAge has info on all the projects and when they are scheduled. And pics about how they are coming along. Keep in mind, when you see construction pics they are focused on the construction. When you are there, it doesn't seem as bad and there is lots to do.

Oh, World of Color is the new water and light show they are working on now that is supposed to be really cool.

 

[rtobe]

There is tour of Disneyland called "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" it is a walking tour of DL and a lot of fun. Highly recommend it. Has a lot of trivia about the park and insights into how Disneyland was created.