The answers to all of my DisneyLand Questions

[Nikisha421]

Hi everyone!!!

This February 2010 will be our first trip out west and of course our first trip to DisneyLand...

We already have reservation for the Grand Californian...but I have so many questions and instead of multiple random threads I figured that I would start my own thread where I will just ask those questions. At least this way I will be able to find the answers in the same place.

So thank you all in advance for answers and patience as we start our planning for our President's Day trip in 2010.

Nikisha421

What is the weather like in California in February?

When will I be able to purchase the 2010 tickets on the DL website (it only seems to have tickets good for 2009 exprining in Jan 2010)?

How far of a drive is LAX to DL?

Is it better to fly into LAX or SNA?

I am thinking about renting a car for our trip (February 14-February 19) and purchasing 5 day PH...do I really need the car?

 

[wannabimagineer]

Congratulations on your trip, I hope you guys have a great time. We made our first trip to DLR last year and fell in love with the place.

As far as the airport, we've flown into SNA and it only took us about 20 - 25 minutes to get to the resort. It's a nice airport without a lot of hassles, I've heard that LAX can be pretty hectic but I don't have any first hand knowledge about it. If you're not planning on going anywhere beside the resort you don't need a car. That being said we're staying on site in October and renting a car for convenience and emergencies.

I'm sure others will be able to answer your other questions, have a great vacation.

 

[wvnative]

The locals can probably give you more accurate weather, but according to weather.com, it averages highs of 70 and lows around 48. We generally go in March and the weather is great.

I've only flown into LAX once. It was easily a decade ago so I don't remember much. I know it seemed like it took forever to get to the hotel though. lol All that traffic! We like to fly into SNA when we fly. As previously mentioned, it's about 20-30 miuntes to the park.

If you don't plan to leave the resort, you won't need a car. It's all within walking distance and there's lots of stuff outside the resort within walking distance as well.

Sorry, can't answer your ticket question.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Mom2micayla]

IIRC, the tickets for 2010 won't be available for at least a few months. Hold off buying them anyway. They usually run specials in the beginning of the year.

Feb. is beautiful as far as temperatures (low 70's during the day, 40's at night). Keep in mind that is the busiest month as far as rain in SoCal. So don't be surprised if you see a lot of rain in the forecast for your vacation. Hopefully you'll get lucky and it'll be clear the whole time.

SNA is the closer airport. You should try to fly in there if at all possible.

You only need a car if you're planning on hitting any of the other SoCal stuff like Sea World, Knott's, the beaches, etc. Otherwise everything onsite is very compact and easy to walk to/from.

I see that your trip is the week of President's Day. Keep in mind that a lot of SoCal schools get that entire week off so it will be far more crowded than the week before or after. Just something to consider.

 

[HydroGuy]

Just so you do not get confused, DL is short for "Disneyland" which is a theme park at DLR or "Disneyland Resort". See Disneyland Resort Lingo for Newbies - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2214012

Here is weather info including rain patterns:

"Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

February is off-season at DLR and off-season at DLR works a bit differently than at WDW. See

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

If I had a choice of SNA over LAX I would do SNA. I agree with other posters that you do not need a car if you are only visiting DLR. Heck, if you are at the GCH you walk right into DCA and will be 2 minutes to DL by foot.

 

[DLR29]

February is off-season at DLR and off-season at DLR works a bit differently than at WDW. See

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Yeah, but their trip is during President's Week, the only exception to Feb off season. While some of the rides might still be down for longer refurbs, the park hours should be longer and there should be more entertainment during the week.

 

[HydroGuy]

Yeah, but their trip is during President's Week, the only exception to Feb off season. While some of the rides might still be down for longer refurbs, the park hours should be longer and there should be more entertainment during the week.

I did realize that. Thanks.

But I looked at past Februarys and DLR still has reduced hours and entertainment on weekdays. The only difference I could see was the President's Day Monday being long hours, etc., which is typical for holidays. So unless I missed something it looks like off-season weekday issues are still applicable. Did I miss something?

 

[Mom2micayla]

I did realize that. Thanks.

But I looked at past Februarys and DLR still has reduced hours and entertainment on weekdays. The only difference I could see was the President's Day Monday being long hours, etc., which is typical for holidays. So unless I missed something it looks like off-season weekday issues are still applicable. Did I miss something?

A good number of SoCal schools get that whole week off, that's the only thing really. We usually go during late Feb. Went during Pres. weekend not realizing the schools would be out and it made a HUGE difference in crowds. Definitely still doable, but if you're expecting walk-ons, you'll be quite surprised. But still, certainly nothing compared to summer or spring break crowds.

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Well, I fly into Southern Cal multiple times a year, so here is my 2 cents.....


I think flying into LAX is not the problem....It is flying out that is the biggest hassle. I hate it. It is a long drive to the airport from DLR. You just never know how long it will take, depending on traffic, etc. I always add in a lot of extra time when I leave from where ever I might be just to be sure of the unknown. lol. and then that means I usually spend way too much time just hanging at the airport. yuck. Plus, the cab ride is way more $$$$.

Like most of the others have posted, I also prefer SNA. It is so much easier to get through security and it is just much quicker to get to from DLR or anyother part of the OC. Of course, it does not have as many flight options and can be more expensive sometimes, but I still would rather fly out of it.

hth. Have fun planning!

 

[bumbershoot]

SNA is much closer, LAX is further. SNA is often more expensive while LAX is cheaper. Transportation to/from SNA is cheaper, LAX is more expensive.

Check out ALL of the options and write it all down with prices if money comes into the picture for this decision (it always does with us).

I've read it written (as opposed to "heard it said") that LAX is fine if you're just a tourist flying in or out of it. But if you're a local, trying to figure out how to pick someone up, or park there, etc etc, then it's a huge pain. I've only been a tourist, and I find it to be very simple. SNA was fine the one time I flew in/out of it.

If you're not going anywhere else, and are fine catching a taxi if you need to run to the store, no, you don't need a car, and would be fine getting a shuttle, the grayline disneyland express (a bus), or even a towncar/limo service.

 

[oc_tony]

Just a little correction...most local schools will get one or two Mondays off in Feb, but not an entire week. There will be a spike in crowds during the actual 3-day Presidents' Day weekend, but the rest of the weekdays should be better.

 

[Nikisha421]

Thank you guys all for the responses

wannabimagineer...thanks for the well wishes

wvnative....thanks for the weather I couldnt have imagined that it would be that cold...so thanks for the heads up

HydroGuy...thanks for the links
mom2micayla...thanks for the ticket enough...do you know what time of year they usually come out?

and to all of you I totally appreciate the help

 

[pycees312]

Hi everyone!!!



What is the weather like in California in February?Nice however... it may rain so plan accordingly. Been to disneyland in the rain in Feb.

When will I be able to purchase the 2010 tickets on the DL website (it only seems to have tickets good for 2009 exprining in Jan 2010) Not sure closer to the end of the year

How far of a drive is LAX to DL? 30 mins or so

Is it better to fly into LAX or SNA? depends on who you ask. both are fine

I am thinking about renting a car for our trip (February 14-February 19) and purchasing 5 day PH...do I really need the car? You will not need a car unless you plan to go anywhere off site that does not have bus shuttle access.
You will love the GRand Hotel.

answers are in the quote