Thoughts on Disneyland...You know the one in California

[sirenia88]

While watching the Disneyland 60 show tonight, my DD asked about Disneyland. Naturally I am looking into this concept of going to Wallyworld, I mean Disneyland. If the family and I went to Disneyland, we would have to fly to Southern California. However, I don't know. Any of the camping people been there? Any planning strategies or tips? I noticed there is not too much on the dis boards about the original park. I figured if I fly, I want to go somewhere else besides Florida.

 

[Sur]

We love it there- similar to WDW but on a smaller scale with it's own wow-factor items. There is no FP+ yet, so to get FPs you need to hike around and gather the ones for big ticket rides early, but the parks aren't large so it's doable.
One thing I wished I'd realized is that the time difference from EST to PST made for early rising (great for rope drop) but not so good World of Color viewing.

More tips & tricks can be viewed here: http://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-california.26/

 

[2goofycampers]

We have been several times. It's not nearly as big as WDW but we enjoy it there. Some of the rides that are at both locations have slight differences to them. If you can swing it stay at one of the DL hotels especially the Grand Californian.

 

[sirenia88]

I figured DL is not as big as the WDW just by looking at google maps This is all the pre planning stages. As for the accommodations, The Grand Californian did cross our mind. I did see a few minuses with the lack of FP+ and lack of magic bands. However, thanks Sur for pointing me to the Disneyland sub forum. I had no idea it existed! I stopped looking for it around the cruise forums. LOL I would have thought the forum would be closer to the top of the page since it is Disneyland not the other disney lands around the world. Go figure.

Well off to another forum, to learn about Disneyland and determine whether or not if we can swing going to the original park.

 

[madjohn]

Living in California gives me an advantage. Ok, first the parks are physically smaller but when you look at the number of rides and attractions of the two California Parks, you will see they almost have the same number of rides as the 4 Florida parks. What you don't get is the bubble effect because you leave the Magic very quickly since most do not stay at the parks and many visitors are day visitors. Also it is located in a very large city. There are one or two RV parks close by that are convenient. Hotels are very close by. (just across the street.) The prices are very reasonable. They are not much but, they are clean and safe. Most offer a room, with microwave and little fridge, and usually a small pool. You need to remember it is the original.

 

[snowmedic]

There are one or two RV parks close by that are convenient.

@sirenia88 , there you go. Take a few extra days, google maps has it approx. 41 hr drive, and pull your TT down. Great experience for T to see the different parts of the country, other than @31,000 feet.

 

[Bubblegum1286]

Went there this past summer Absolutely loved it. I don't know much about camping there. I know there are a few places, but it'll be more like your typical KOA I think. Nothing special. We stayed at the Anaheim Islander in a two room suite with a shared bathroom. My mom and brother took one room, my family took the other. The whole suite was $156 a night. It was clean, the staff was friendly, and it was a mile walk to the front of DLR. There was a 24 hour CVS right around the corner, which was convenient. We spent two days at DL, one day at California adventure, one day doing LA and Hollywood (Hollywood and Highland, LA Farmer's Market), and one day at Santa Monica beach and pier. It was a fantastic trip.

I enjoy Disneyland more than WDW actually. I'm sentimental about it. But it's a beautiful park full of Disney whimsy and history and we had a blast

 

[sirenia88]

Well this trip may have to wait. My DW would like to make it a tour of California with a stop and stay in DL. The DW would like to see some other sights as well. In other words, who knows.

Snowmedic, Wife and I both agree, we shall fly. It would be cool to drive but we don't have that kind of time unless we won the lottery or something.

 

[Sur]

sirenia88- there are two nights within the 7 month window (for point rental at the Grand Californian) in September, and in another 3 days, at 8 am, three more days available in September (if those dates remain open, in a studio). If you can rent points from an owner, here on the boards or through David's Vacation Rentals, you can get a room right on site for a great price.
Go here (must be logged in) to rent points from a DVC member, or David's can find an owner of VGC and rent 11 months in advance: http://www.disboards.com/forums/dvc-rent-trade.29/