Sudden trip 12/29, need help

[lilasmom]

We’ve decided on a last minute trip for 12/29-12/31 and I need a lot of help.

We’re going to the Rose Bowl, GO IU!, so we didn’t have the time to adequately prepare for our trip. In fact, the lack of air line flights sparked our desire to go to Disneyland.

I’ve been a WDW fan for yours, but have no idea about Disneyland. We are flying in and out of Orange County and have booked a hotel, that allegedly is a 10 minute walk. We won’t have a rental car on our park days, so we’re hoofing it.

The plan is to do Disneyland for 3 days, the Rose Bowl, then a beach day before we fly home.

I’m struggling with any kind of touring plan. We’re going to do the Kingdom the first 2 days, then 1day at Adventure. I realize the parks will be extremely busing and I’ve been told 12/31 could reach capacity. I’ve looked at dining reservations and it’s slim pickings.

Can someone suggest a tour plan for a Mom and a 17yr who love Disney.

Thanks!!

 

[irlandaise]

Okay, take a breath, you'll be fine! We'll all get you through this.

Which hotel are you staying at?

Have you purchased park tickets and made park reservations yet? If not, do so right away. As you say, those days could sell out.

It sounds like you plan to focus on a single park each day. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, is there a chance of getting you to consider park hoppers? They're a great option for ensuring that you can move to a less-crowded park and get all the rides you want when they're available.

Also, do you plan to buy Lightning Lane Multi-Passes (LLMPs)? They'll be very helpful when the parks are crowded.

Sorry, hope I haven't just thrown you more questions to deal with! Just keep in mind that you'll be at Disneyland during the holidays, and that's a very good thing!!

 

[LKing]

The plan is to do Disneyland for 3 days, the Rose Bowl, then a beach day before we fly home.

I’m struggling with any kind of touring plan. We’re going to do the Kingdom the first 2 days, then 1day at Adventure. I realize the parks will be extremely busing and I’ve been told 12/31 could reach capacity. I’ve looked at dining reservations and it’s slim pickings.

First, there is no Magic Kingdom in California. We have Disneyland (DL) and Disney California Adventure (DCA).

Where are you staying in Anaheim? Are you planning on changing hotels for the Rose Bowl and the beach?

You say you are a WDW fan. Does that mean you visit frequently? There are several threads where WDW vets ask about Disneyland. Here is a recent one that might help. https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-vet-many-questions.3976246

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

We are flying in and out of Orange County and have booked a hotel, that allegedly is a 10 minute walk. We won’t have a rental car on our park days, so we’re hoofing it.

What is the exact name of the accommodation you have booked? Have you checked the location on Google Maps? Many places advertise 10 minutes walk to Disneyland, BUT they dont specify exactly and some get a shock that the walk is far longer than expected. The pedestrian entrance is at Harbour Boulevard opposite Dennys. I stay at Desert Inn and Suites next door to Dennys. I have also stayed at Tropicana, the other side of IHOP. They are MOTELS with outside corridors. Desert Inn and Suites Motel, Tropicana Motel and their neighboring motels are the only accommodations which are 10 minutes walk to Disneyland. I have timed it from closing my room door to Disney bag check security.
Anything on or near Katella Avenue is a 20 minute walk.

 

[MonocularVision]

The Howard Johnson, Courtyard, Holiday Inn Express, Home2 Suites, Hilton Garden Inn are all a ten minute walk to the Disneyland property and have internal corridors.

Edit to add: the warning above is a good one though: many hotels advertise the distance from their hotel to Disneyland property and not the entrance.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I highly recommend a scenic drive along the ocean, but the water will be way too cold to even think about swimming. Start with Huntington Beach and travel south through Orange County. Conclude your journey at the San Clemente Pier. Dana Pointe and San Clemente (but not the pier) have some great beach access points with free parking. Plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from serving fresh sea food.

 

[Pluto468]

I think that on especially busy days it can be good to go in with more of a general plan than a specific touring plan. I would decide what you and your son want to do most and focus on those. Some rides at Disneyland are very different than the WDW versions so those would be fun to see. Have you considered hoppers or LL? Those will both help, too.

As far as dining, keep checking the app until your trip because people cancel and you can pick up a reservation, or you could set a dining alert. Disneyland has great counter service restaurants so that's an option, too.

Where are you staying?

 

[irlandaise]

@lilasmom How are your DL plans coming along? As you saw, a few people asked where you're staying since travel time to and from the parks will affect our recommendations for a DL strategy.