Thanks HydroGuy, SkiingFast and Disney Dreams

[tndislvr]

Wanted to send a separate message so as to not take over the POTC 4 thread!

Thank you all so much for your feedback on DLR. I am getting more excited about our trip thanks to all your great information. I know we will have a great time at DLR....I guess I just know I am going to miss some of the things at WDW. My kids are very young so we typically have to take "break days" between parks. I'm sure it'll be no different at DLR. At WDW we use those days to go to the pool, resort hop, ride the monorail, etc. What things do you recommend for off days at DLR?

I think based on your feedback we will definately stay at a hotel within walking distance to the parks. I am hoping for a possible DLR room discount for my travel dates as I see they typically have something for summer (well, at least the past few years).

Thanks again!

 

[Leohat]

If I ever get a mad scientist cloning machine, I wanna clone ya'll

 

[skiingfast]

I know we will have a great time at DLR....I guess I just know I am going to miss some of the things at WDW. My kids are very young so we typically have to take "break days" between parks. I'm sure it'll be no different at DLR. At WDW we use those days to go to the pool, resort hop, ride the monorail, etc. What things do you recommend for off days at DLR?

Your very welcome.

I find it hard, but try not to focus on comparing when I am in the parks. Try to enjoy the differences.

If the kids are napping young, or need to be carried home young. Staying close will really help.

Certainly you can go to DTD, since it's just ouside the gates. You can explore the GCH and DLH.

Every Hotel has a pool and the Hojo and Ramada Maingate have water play areas.

For a true day off, you could take a tour bus to Hollywood, or the SD zoo. Grayline runs these and they pick up at a few Anaheim hotels. If you want to try another park they run buses to Universal, Knotts and LegoLand.

With a rental car a beach day might be nice. You can get rentals in a few places near DLR.

 

[HydroGuy]

Wanted to send a separate message so as to not take over the POTC 4 thread!

Thank you all so much for your feedback on DLR. I am getting more excited about our trip thanks to all your great information. I know we will have a great time at DLR....I guess I just know I am going to miss some of the things at WDW. My kids are very young so we typically have to take "break days" between parks. I'm sure it'll be no different at DLR. At WDW we use those days to go to the pool, resort hop, ride the monorail, etc. What things do you recommend for off days at DLR?


!

Be prepared for what I call "Disneyland Boomerang". Here is how it works.

1. You are a WDW vet and are concerned about DLR and that you will miss things from WDW

2. You go to DLR

3. You miss things about WDW (as expected - totally natural)

4. You go back to WDW

5. You are surprised to find out you miss things about DLR (that is the boomerang)

Happened to me in reverse after my first WDW trip.

Choices of off days are infinite. Here is an idea. Go to La Brea Tar Pits. See La Brea Tar Pits discover over 16K fossils

 

[Disney Dreams]

Oh, well, gee, thanks for the shout out and I am glad I was able to help! You will enjoy DLR, just force yourself NOW not to think of it as a mini-WDW... because it's not.

I know others will disagree with me, but if you can afford to do so, I would still stay on property. Do you "need" to? No. Will it feel more magical? Yes.

As for other things to do, I don't know where you are from, but So. Cal. beaches are always wonderful and not something everyone has elsewhere. Huntington Beach is great with kids! It can be a fun, relaxing day.

I could list TONS of So. Cal. attractions, but do you want to be touring on your day off from touring? Just a thought.

- Dreams

 

[Porturican]

Be prepared for what I call "Disneyland Boomerang". Here is how it works.

1. You are a WDW vet and are concerned about DLR and that you will miss things from WDW

2. You go to DLR

3. You miss things about WDW (as expected - totally natural)

4. You go back to WDW

5. You are surprised to find out you miss things about DLR (that is the boomerang)

Happened to me in reverse after my first WDW trip.

Choices of off days are infinite. Here is an idea. Go to La Brea Tar Pits. See La Brea Tar Pits discover over 16K fossils

WOW I cant agree with this more! I went to WDW and kept thinking OMG Disneyland is so much better I can go without coming back to WDW for a few years. Then after I was back for 6 months I kept longing to go back to WDW, (but still loved DL of course) I'm going to Orlando for work later this month to go to a conference and since I'm so close I'm going to go a little earlier and hit up WDW for a couple of days I am so excited

 

[tndislvr]

I love the "Boomerang" analogy, Hydroguy! I'm sure I will miss things about WDW but will love things about DLR.

My kids are 5 and 2 so typically we do a park day, take it easy day, etc. This worked out great our last trip so we'll probably do that this trip as well. I think we should be able to find plenty to do on site (even though we take a park break day we still like to do a little something those days). I like the beach idea! Also, checked out the tar pits and that sounds like something my son would love!

Dreams - how far is Huntington Beach from DLR? Do you think it would be horribly crowded early May? If we do get lucky and there are summer specials for rooms would you pick Paradise Pier or Disneyland Hotel? I heard DH is under a lot of renovation....plus PP is cheaper....but which would be your choice renovation aside. GCH is totally out of the question as we can't afford it at all.

Thanks again everyone for your feedback!

 

[HydroGuy]

Dreams - how far is Huntington Beach from DLR? Do you think it would be horribly crowded early May? If we do get lucky and there are summer specials for rooms would you pick Paradise Pier or Disneyland Hotel? I heard DH is under a lot of renovation....plus PP is cheaper....but which would be your choice renovation aside. GCH is totally out of the question as we can't afford it at all.

Thanks again everyone for your feedback!

No beaches will be horribly crowded in May. Make sure you do your homework. The water temperature is barely tolerable in May. As you get to Memorial Day you do start seeing people at beaches. Onc eyou get well into June and then thru Labor Day many beaches will get crowded on weekends.

Can't help with your hotel question except I prefer DLH.

 

[hsmamato2]

agreed- so much great info -thanks!
BTW, is there a bus service from DL area to Universal? I am curious about that- as I have heard bad things about driving in the area....... right now we'll either keep our rental for DL time,or turn it in and use buses,etc to get other places

 

[HydroGuy]

agreed- so much great info -thanks!
BTW, is there a bus service from DL area to Universal? I am curious about that- as I have heard bad things about driving in the area....... right now we'll either keep our rental for DL time,or turn it in and use buses,etc to get other places

See Anaheim here:

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/visitor_info_transportation.html

 

[tndislvr]

After all the comments and reading a few of Hydroguys's TR's I have officially become super excited about visiting Disneyland! Hydroguy - I must admit your trip reports are what won me over. I can see the charm of Disneyland that you mentioned from your photos. I am beyond excited now!

Now on to the next order of business.....dining! We have some favorites that we never miss on our trips to WDW. What are some "can't be missed" restaurants at DLR or even just in the DLR area?

 

[been2marceline]

Choices of off days are infinite. Here is an idea. Go to La Brea Tar Pits. See La Brea Tar Pits discover over 16K fossils

We were at DL when the Tutankhamen exhibit was in LA - as we get ready to park - there were the Pits - didn't have time to see them - NUTS.

and thanks for the WOC stuff - we'll put that info to use in 24 days,,,,,

 

[skiingfast]

Now on to the next order of business.....dining! We have some favorites that we never miss on our trips to WDW. What are some "can't be missed" restaurants at DLR or even just in the DLR area?

Napa Rose for something extra special. It is a reall well recieved experience. Not just by guests but by critics. Like VA in the GF.

But for kids or for a fun time.

Blue Bayou is the best DL has to offer. Great ambiance. Request and expect a wait to sit near the water to see the POTc boats go by.

Another TS in DL is Carnation Cafe, and the specialized food at Orleans Cafe.

CS. I like sitting by ROA at Country Bear in Critter Country. The show at the Golden Horseshoe is fun while eating a simple CS meal. In DCA people like the ribs, and burgers at Taste Pilots Grill.

Of course some othe DLR treats people love are Churros and Tigger Tails.

 

[HydroGuy]

Napa Rose for something extra special. It is a reall well recieved experience. Not just by guests but by critics. Like VA in the GF.

But for kids or for a fun time.

Blue Bayou is the best DL has to offer. Great ambiance. Request and expect a wait to sit near the water to see the POTc boats go by.

Another TS in DL is Carnation Cafe, and the specialized food at Orleans Cafe.

CS. I like sitting by ROA at Country Bear in Critter Country. The show at the Golden Horseshoe is fun while eating a simple CS meal. In DCA people like the ribs, and burgers at Taste Pilots Grill.

Of course some othe DLR treats people love are Churros and Tigger Tails.

Regarding Tigger Tails, do it! Here is a DIS Blog I wrote: http://www.disunplugged.com/2010/10/02/a-tale-of-two-tails-tigger-tails-that-is/ - you cannot get these at WDW!

To SF's list I would add:

- We have never done Napa Rose - tried last year, had a res, but the family was not up for it that night. So can't comment there.

- We now officially love Ariel's Grotto at DCA - especially on a warm summer eve where you can sit outside

- Wine Country Tratorria is pretty good at DCA

- The Plaza Inn buffeteria at DL is amazingly good.

- My kids are Jumbalaya maniacs (we have it at least once a week at our home) and Blue Bayou is always a big hit (including a hit to the credit card )

- Cafe Orleans at DL - sit outside

- At DTD - like at WDW, folks either love or hate Rainforest Cafe. My family has always loved it. And we like Tortilla Jo's too.

- Storytellers at GCH is decent - not great, but we went twice last trip because we were at the GCH and they had an all-you-can-eat buffet which went over well with our four teen boys.

- For counter service at DCA our go to place is Taste Pilots Grille. Burgers are pretty darn good. At DL it is Redd Rocketts Pizza Port

Finally, I would highly recommend you take it easy on dining reservations at DLR. Do not pin yourself down and make your days revolve around dining. That works at WDW - to some degree - but not at DLR. Do make reservations but don't turn those into immovable, got to go things. Let the dining plans be fluid. Make the ressies. If you can make it to the ressie then do it. If you can't then be prepared to shift gears. Everyone in your group will be much happier.

Here is a thread I wrote on this in my Tips area that you may not have yet seen:

"From DLR to WDW and Back Again: My Challenge With WDW Dining Philosophy at DLR" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2449979

 

[tndislvr]

I apologize for not responding sooner but haven't been able to be on the DIS much the past few days.

Thank you so much for all the great dining advice! Even at WDW we typically only make two or three dining reservations so I'm glad to know that it is not so important to make them at DLR. I'm sure my kids will want one character meal and I'm assuming it is a good idea to make a ressie for those?

Now to my next challenge - convincing hubby that we need to stay close so we can walk to the parks. I have not convinced him yet. He is, I should say, somewhat of a "hotel snob". He is VERY picky about where he will stay. I pitched te HoJo but he prefers the Doubletree Suites or Hyatt Regency Orange County for (1) the more upscale environment and (2) the extra space (living room) in the suites. DH is in school and will probably have homework to do while we are on our trip and this will be much easier if we can put the kids to bed while he studies in a separate room.

Me, I'm a little easier to please. I just want a place that is (1) clean, (2) close to the parks, and (3) bed bug free (I have an extreme bed bug phobia although I know realistically every hotel has them at one time or another).

HoJo seemed perfect as it gets great ratings, walking distance to the parks, water play area for my kids, larger rooms (albeit not a separate living room).

How can I convince him that the fancier, bigger room, further away from the action is going to be a mistake in the end?

 

[skiingfast]

Keep in mind that the entry into the resort on Harbor Dr that you walk through rivals the distance from the bus stops to gates at WDW. And you can see that entrance from the front of many hotels.

I can see the draw in all suite hotels versus hotels that combine a couple rooms to create suites, just to have them to offer. Maybe one of those suites in the harbor motels is what you should look for.

 

[tndislvr]

Hi Skiingfast! The Hyatt Regency is on Harbor but I don't really know how far it is in relation to the entrance on Harbor. Do you have any idea of the true distance of 11999 Harbor to the gates? The hotel said a 15-20 minute walk....but I'm wondering if it is realistically more like 20-25 (which isn't really practical for us with two small kids).

 

[skiingfast]

Hi Skiingfast! The Hyatt Regency is on Harbor but I don't really know how far it is in relation to the entrance on Harbor. Do you have any idea of the true distance of 11999 Harbor to the gates? The hotel said a 15-20 minute walk....but I'm wondering if it is realistically more like 20-25 (which isn't really practical for us with two small kids).

I know of that Hyatt but have never stayed there.

It's far, not a walk from the parks. Granted if push comes to shove anyone can walk all day covering great distances. But save you legs for the parks.

In my opinion. Any hotel on Harbor across from the parks, that is south of Ball Road and North of Katella Ave are easy walks. Under 10 minutes time wise and very doable.

Go past that and it gets to be questionable if you have difficulty walking, little kids, or pushing a stroller. Even a couple hotels away and the ART shuttles start to become a reasonable idea.

For a suite that isn't close try looking at one of the nicer rooms in the Annabella Hotel or the Portofino Suites. These are both just beyond my easy walking distance area. The Annabella has been recommended to me by a few CMs. Not so sure about the Portofino. If you want to know about either try a new thread with thier names in the title and maybe some people can reply who stayed at them.

 

[yupikgal]

I love the "Boomerang" analogy, Hydroguy! I'm sure I will miss things about WDW but will love things about DLR.

My kids are 5 and 2 so typically we do a park day, take it easy day, etc. This worked out great our last trip so we'll probably do that this trip as well. I think we should be able to find plenty to do on site (even though we take a park break day we still like to do a little something those days). I like the beach idea! Also, checked out the tar pits and that sounds like something my son would love!

Dreams - how far is Huntington Beach from DLR? Do you think it would be horribly crowded early May? If we do get lucky and there are summer specials for rooms would you pick Paradise Pier or Disneyland Hotel? I heard DH is under a lot of renovation....plus PP is cheaper....but which would be your choice renovation aside. GCH is totally out of the question as we can't afford it at all.

Thanks again everyone for your feedback!

tndslvr, Paradise Pier is great, they have large rooms, and you can just cross a street and then you'll be at the GC hotel, which you can use their private entrance to DCA from! It's a great hotel, we stayed at the concierge level since they were having a special deal last year (I think it was 35% off) which was basically the same price as the regular rooms at GC...we stayed in a patio room, they are set aside for concierge only, it allows you to get to the pool easier! I don't think I'd stay at the DH because of the construction...

After all the comments and reading a few of Hydroguys's TR's I have officially become super excited about visiting Disneyland! Hydroguy - I must admit your trip reports are what won me over. I can see the charm of Disneyland that you mentioned from your photos. I am beyond excited now!

Now on to the next order of business.....dining! We have some favorites that we never miss on our trips to WDW. What are some "can't be missed" restaurants at DLR or even just in the DLR area?

My personal favorite dining spots:

Blue Bayou: we ate there last summer to celebrate my daughter's h.s. graduation & her bday, they brought her a special little treat! It was such a wonderful atmosphere, I'd love to eat there again!

Cafe Orleans: The pomme frittes w/sauce are delicious, also the monte cristo, which you can also have in BB, but it's more expensive there! The gumbo is really good too!

Bengal BBQ: My daughter & husband ate there and they loved the skewers of meat & veggies! They have bbq beef, chicken, bacon w/asparagus & a veggie only version

White Water Snacks: Chicken nachos are awesome!

Napa Rose: Incredible! My husband and I ate there, it was amazing! You can't go wrong!!

Storytellers Cafe: A great breakfast buffet/character breakfast w/wooded animal friends; Brother Bears, Meeko, Chip & Dale, etc.

Carnation Cafe: Great breakfasts & lunches, the pretzel bread w/the turkey sandwich is awesome! Love the pomegranate lemonade too!

Taste Pilot's Grill in DCA: Good burgers & other fast food type things

Riverbelle Terrace: has a great fruit platter!

Wine Country Trattoria: Good italian food, sandwiches, salads

Hope this helps!

 

[PoohNFriends]

OP, I would not want to stay at the Hyatt Regency (I think we're talking about the same one on Harbor Blvd and Chapman if looking at the map on the hotel website). The hotel was very nice, I stayed there for a conference back in December 2006. However, my personal walking limit was to the convention center which is closer to the hotel than the parks. I guess I should say I am capable of walking to the parks from that Hyatt, but it would not be my 1st choice, especially with younger kiddos.
That's about the only advice I can give, I have only been to Anaheim for that 1 conference and there was no playtime at the parks . Fortunately, our 1st DL trip is coming up in May !