Some DL questions

[Baloo76]

Taking a trip to DL for the first time in a while and I am EXTREMELY EXCITED. I had just a few questions...

(1) We will be staying at the GCH, park view. I have heard however that this could provide either the view of DCA or the pool. What are the chances of NOT getting a view of the park, and is there a fax # I can send a request to in order to get this view?

(2) We will be going the 1st week in August, what can we expect in the way of weather and crowds? We have been able to manage WDW at the same time of year.

(3) What do you recommend for quick/easy/cheap transportation to and from LAX airport? We will not be renting a car for our trip.


Thanks for all your help!!!
Adam

 

[ivanova]

(1) sorry, don't know anything about GCH so can't help you there

(2) HOT, HOT, HOT - but gee, it's a "dry" heat Plan on taking breaks in the afternoon & heading back to GCH either to cool off in your air conditioned room or swimming in the pool. Also plan on carrying water bottles (one per person in the group) and replenishing them throughout the day. We usually will freeze partially filled bottles (about 1/2 full) then topping them off with cold water before leaving the hotel. Then throughout the day we refill from water fountains until the ice is totally gone. At restaurants (or back at the hotel) we'd refill with ice and water.

(3) LAX to DLR transporation - can't help you there either. But I'd be willing to bet if you called DLR they could give you some pointers.

 

[honeymom]

I lived in LA for 6 years and I've been to Florida in the summer. LA hot is a lot easier to take versus Florida hot and humid. In fact, I remember at least a couple of summers where August was a little cool.

 

[Planogirl]

We're going to DL for the first time the first week of August too and I'm major excited! I was already told to plan to take a break from the heat and crowds just like ivanova suggested. We're a bit further than you, we'll be at the Candy Cane Inn but I definitely look forward to sending the others out to the pool while I prop my feet up!

 

[Michelle]

You can call the reservations number where you made the reservation (or call your TA if you used one) and have your request noted for a full theme park view. It is possible to overlook the pool with the theme park in the background, and that's a fine view too.

August is really never that unbearable here, highs could be in the low 90s or they could be in the upper 70s. It definitely is not humid at all.

You have two easy transportation options from the airport -- the Airport Bus or Super Shuttle. For more information:

Airport Bus

Super Shuttle

Have fun!

 

[LuvTigger]

Just wanted to comment on the GC view so you don't do what I did!

I requested and paid for a theme park view (it was a package, so it was paid for ahead of time). The first thing I did when I got in the room was take a peek out the window, and I only saw the pool. I was livid and picked up the phone to call the front desk, and they explained that I should have a view of Paradise Pier (in DCA). The bellman showed up, so I told the front desk I'd call back if there was a problem.

Then, I looked UP, instead of looking down at the pool, and HELLO, there was Grizzly Peak right behind the other wing of the hotel, and when we stood on our balcony, we could see the Sun Wheel and all of Paradise Pier in DCA!

We ended up LOVING our view, including the pool area, which is very nice too. When we explored the hotel, we decided that we would've been happy with just about any view because it was so nicely landscaped.

Also, a suggestion: if you have time, take the hotel tour, which lasts about an hour. I think it starts at around 2 p.m. every afternoon. It's free, all you need to do is sign up with Guest Services.

 

[raidermatt]

Regarding the weahter...

According to weather.com, August average high/low in Orlando is 91/73, while in Anaheim its 83/63. And, as others have said, humidity is very low in Anaheim. So odds are, if you are ok with Orlando, you'll be just fine in Anaheim. Warm, but comfortable.

HOWEVER, the thing about inland California summer weather is that you can get some pretty intense heat waves. It all depends on whether a high pressure system decides to park itself on top of the area and create the infamous "off-shore flow". When that happens, temps can reach into the mid-high 90's and sometimes beyond. For example, the record highs in Orlando for June, July, August and September are all 100/100/100/98. For Anaheim, its 109/110/103/110. (Even October's record is 106...)

Sooooo, if you happen to get caught in one of these heatwaves, the heat can become as much of a challenge as in Orlando, and even more. So while in Orlando its important to watch the weather forecast for thunderstorms and passing hurricanes, in Anaheim its important to watch for heatwaves.