Thinking about DL

[debdebdebby13]

I'm considering a trip this coming March to DL. I know absolutely nothing about the DL planning though so I have a few questions.

What airport is easiest to fly into?
Is there something like the Magical Express to transport to and from the airport?
What is the best moderate good neighbor hotel to stay at?
What is the best economy good neighbor hotel to stay at?
How do the dining plans work, they seem a bit more complicated than the WDW plans?
Is the dining plan worth it?
How many days would you allot a family of three including an almost 5 year old DD?
What else is there to do in the area?

Tell me anything and everything you can!

(I would search most of these, but since the search is down...)

 

[Ginger Renae]

You don't need a search! You can start by reading this sticky! There's most of the information you need - including hydroguy's awesome tips for WDW veterans going to DL for the first time!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

 

[SplashMo]

John Wayne and LAX are the most popular. John Wayne is closer to the park if your airline can get you there...

HoJo is the bread and butter nice offsite Hotel. Second Choice is a diffrent Hotel on Harbor street...

Most Skip the dining plan for DLR...

You can enjoy any length of stay. However 3-5 days seems to be the most qouted numbers. I have stayed mostly 10 days at a shot. However will be taling a 4.5 day trip soon. During the summer weekdays are great because the shows play during the week. However in offpeak you need to capture a weekend as well to get the shows in...

 

[debdebdebby13]

You don't need a search! You can start by reading this sticky! There's most of the information you need - including hydroguy's awesome tips for WDW veterans going to DL for the first time!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

Thank you!
You can tell how little time I've spent on the DL boards since I didn't even see the sticky.

 

[skiingfast]

I'm considering a trip this coming March to DL. I know absolutely nothing about the DL planning though so I have a few questions.

What airport is easiest to fly into?

SNA then LGB then LAX

Is there something like the Magical Express to transport to and from the airport?

Nothing like ME, but thier is a Disneyland Express which has little to to with Disney except that it goes to the DL area. Also Super Shuttle. In the hydroguy thread PPs provided it will talk about a thread about airport proximity and transportation.

What is the best moderate good neighbor hotel to stay at?
What is the best economy good neighbor hotel to stay at?

"good nieghbor is more a of a marketing term it mean little about hotel proximity to DLR of quality. It is better to look at a map view of hotels on a 3rd party site. Find something within walk distance. Prices range from about $50 to $150 a night for these.


How do the dining plans work, they seem a bit more complicated than the WDW plans?
Is the dining plan worth it?

Yes, it not the same. Plan on paying OOP for meals and even eating off property.


How many days would you allot a family of three including an almost 5 year old DD?

3-5 is my standard answer and many other people will say the same. DD will love DL it's Fantasyland is way better than the MK. Also Fliks Fun Fair in DCA is great for young ones. Also the minimum height of many rides in DL is lower for the same in WDW so she can probably do more.


What else is there to do in the area?

Have you been to California, maybe you would want to go to the SD zoo, a beach, Hollywood or another theme park like Knott's or Universal?

Tell me anything and everything you can!

(I would search most of these, but since the search is down...)

You seem to be asking all the common questions. Ask more detailed questions as you plan and check the boards for threads about these same topics.

Hope this helps, you came to the right place to figure this stuff out.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

What airport is easiest to fly into?
Is there something like the Magical Express to transport to and from the airport?

Check out Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information Super Thread . It will give you the low down on the various airports and the transportation options to DLR. I prefer Orange County (John Wayne/SNA) airport, myself, because it's such an easy (and small) airport and so close to DLR. Long Beach is also small and close, I just don't have personal experience with this airport. I've heard good things. I don't mind LAX or Ontario, they're just further away, and you have to take rush hour traffic into consideration a little more.

If I'm flying in with my family, I prefer to use Disneyland Express (operated by Grayline for a fee). Since they use large, tour style buses, we don't need to worry about lugging along carseats like we would for the smaller shuttle buses or taxis. If I'm traveling by myself and time is not an issue, I tend to use Super Shuttle. If I don't want to waste time with other passengers and/or stops, the best bet is to take a taxi.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm considering a trip this coming March to DL. I know absolutely nothing about the DL planning though so I have a few questions.

What airport is easiest to fly into?
Is there something like the Magical Express to transport to and from the airport?
What is the best moderate good neighbor hotel to stay at?
What is the best economy good neighbor hotel to stay at?
How do the dining plans work, they seem a bit more complicated than the WDW plans?
Is the dining plan worth it?
How many days would you allot a family of three including an almost 5 year old DD?
What else is there to do in the area?

Tell me anything and everything you can!

(I would search most of these, but since the search is down...)

Ohhh, you asked for it! Welcome to DIS DLR by the way!

This link below answers the questions you have plus a bunch you did not yet know that you should be asking!

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599