Thinking about going to DL for first time...any planning tips

[barbnjmom]

Hi there..we are avid WDW visitors....looking to do DL for the first time in 2005 and looking for planning tips...

Questions
1) Is it best to book through Disney reservations?
2) Do you need to stay on site? If so which hotel?
3) How many days do you need to see the parks without feeling rushed? We are looking to go in June/July with our two boys, ages 10 & 5.
4) Which airport to fly into (from Newark)
5) What are other go local attractions and distance?

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[got2travel]

I can't answer all of your questions, but will take a stab at some.

Questions
1) Is it best to book through Disney reservations? - Not really. Any travel agent can get the discounts for you. Depending on where you decide to stay, you might be better off booking everything on your own using AAA or Entertainment discounts.

2) Do you need to stay on site? If so which hotel? - Unlike WDW, it is not necessary to stay onsite at DL. There are actually hotels on Harbor Blvd that are closer the the main gate than the Disney hotels. The only exception would be the Grand Californian, which if your budget allows, would be a wonderful place to stay. But not very Disney themed, i.e. no Mickey soaps or Disney characters.

3) How many days do you need to see the parks without feeling rushed? We are looking to go in June/July with our two boys, ages 10 & 5. - Even with an AP, I don't like to take trips less than 3 days. And for a first timer in the summer, I'd say a minimum of 4 days. You will be able to see all of California Adventure in 1 day. But I like to allow extra time to wander around Disneyland.

4) Which airport to fly into (from Newark) - John Wayne (also known as Orange County or Santa Ana) is the closest, but Long Beach, Ontario and Los Angeles (LAX) are all manageable (within 30-40 minutes of Disneyland). Just find out who has the cheapest flights and go there.

5) What are other go local attractions and distance? - This is where I'm not much help. I don't seem to make it very far away from DL when I visit. I do know there is another theme park called Knott's Berry Farm that is about 15 minutes from DL. They have more roller coasters and also a water park. Many people also take day trips to LegoLand which is in Carlsbad, but I'm not sure how far away that is. And also Sea World in San Deigo.

 

[lulubelle]

barb, I agree with everything got2travel said but wanted to add a few thoughts. As you are coming from the east coast, I would stay as long as possible, a week if you can. We always stay at least in week in Florida to soak in as much as possible, heck you lose almost two days to travel. You will need 4 full days for DL, DCA & DTD. I would definately take a day to spend at one of our beaches and drive up the coast highway. You will need one day to relax and enjoy your hotel...maybe swim or shop...see a movie in DTD. And one more day to go to another park like Universal (45 min), Legoland (60 min), SeaWorld (over an hour) or Knotts Berry Farm (15 min). If you only have 4 or 5 days, spend them all at Disney. You will be glad you did not rush through it. And the choice of hotel/motel truly comes down to $$$. Staying on site is so magical and I recommend it if affordable, but in all honesty, staying off site is fine and can cost half as much. One last thing, June is much better than July. Local schools get out in mid June and the parks really do not load up until July 4th week.

Have a wonderful trip whatever you decide and keep us posting on your plans