Tips for a Disnleyland Rookie?

[jburns]

Hey everyone,

I've been to WDW 20+ times and I've been on the DCL twice so far. Late Feb we're planning a family driving trip down the coast that will end at Disneyland. Looking for any tips you might have or suggestions. I'm a complete rookie when it comes to the West coast!

I'd like to stay on resort, meal plan, and only for 2-3 days... but when pricing that out it gets pretty steep. Might be interested in off-site if anyone has good suggestions.

Thanks all... Looking forward to seeing the pink castle!

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[villain luvr]

Just to let you know the meal plans are not good. They are like vouchers. So if you purchase somrething and it is $3 you give them a $5 voucher you do not get your remaining $2. It is best that you pay as you go.

As for Hotels. We have been staying at the Paradise Pier. It is onsite so you still get the Disney magice but it is the cheaper of the three. Also a lot of people stay at Hojo which is across the street within walking distance.

 

[sonnyjane]

Welcome! You will find TONS of information in this very helpful thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

It is a Disneyland guide for WDW veterans!

 

[BELLEDOZER]

HOJO's is the place we stay when visiting the mouse. You get a 15% discount by contacting in house reservations and telling them that you are a member of this board. In fact am leaving on Sat, driving down and staying there again for our surprise trip to the mouse. They have a decently priced gift shop in building 1 that has breakfast items, and anything that you may have accidentally left behind. Love this hotel for their excellent customer service and the 7 to 10 min walk to the parks. There is also an excellent restaurant next door called MIMI's with good sized portions and reasonably priced. I've heard that the Disney Dining plan is not worth it, and in my experience if you are driving down can pickup snacks by driving up Harbor Blvd to Fullerton and getting groceries at Henry's Farmers Market. And hit IN-N-OUT burger afterwards for lunch or dinner. Hope that this helps you out!

 

[Mackysmycat]

I'm a Park Vue Inn fan - if you can't stay at one of the 3 disney hotels. It's right across the street - 5 minutes. Great place!

 

[clairabell29]

Biggest difference between WDW and DL as far as hotels go, is there are MANY hotels within walking distance (5-10 min from the gate). A lot of them are MUCH less expensive then the DL resort hotels and pretty nice. My favorites are Park Vue Inn, Ramada Main Gate, HOJO, and The Camelot.

I agree with everyone on the meal plan, it is NOTHING like WDW and you actually loose money in the deal. If you're looking for characer meals, try getawaytoday.com they have discounted meal vouchers. They also have discounted DL tickets, if you need those

Enjoy you're 1st trip to the original park!