Trip help

[Hawkeye83]

hi, my family and I are travelling from Austalia. We have my in laws (who are very active), husband , myself and 2 children (6 & 4yrs). We are looking at staying 2weeks all up in September 2017; 5days at the courtyard waterpark hotel, 2nights Legoland and then 5nights at Disneyland hotel. Can anyone let us know what the hotels are like? Should we stay more / less? Takings into account jet lag when we arrive. All advice appreciated.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I think you have things planned well. Fininshing up at the DLH is a better idea than starting out there, then ending at regular hotels. (Not that the regular hotels are bad, but they aren't the same as the DLH.) We've heard good things about the Courtyard Theme Park and about the Sheraton Legoland (I assume this is the hotel you'll be using?). September can be very warm in Southern California, so having the EMH included with your DLH stay will be a great help for getting lots done when the weather is cooler. I think your length of stay is just right. Your first 5 days at DLR will allow you to take things in at your own pace, maybe take a tour or two, and enjoy the parks without stressing. You will also have time to enjoy the hotel waterpark without feeling like you will be missing out on the parks. Your children are the perfect ages for Legoland, so two days will be fine, especially if you plan to visit their waterpark. And your last 5 days at DLR will allow you to focus on revisiting all your favorites (including multiple repeats on favorite rides should the kids take a strong fancy to something), seeing shows, eating at places you want to try, taking photos, etc. Sounds like a wonderful trip!

 

[tomato]

You will love the Courtyard Marriott. The water park is a fabulous way to spend some of your afternoons if they are really warm.

The hotel also offered us lots and lots of food options. And even special seating areas in the evenings to watch the fireworks around a fire if you aren't staying in the park for that.

The walking distance to the gates is actually closer from the Courtyard Marriott than it is from DLH.

To be honest, I think ten days at the two Disney parks is a TON of time. Even taking afternoon breaks at the hotel water park and/or pools, you could do it all in 6 - 7 days and then some. We just finished our fifth trip in ten years and we found we were able to do everything we wanted in a day and a half! Now, that's considering the fact that after so many visits we know what we can skip. But still, in 3 days we did 31 rides, the Frozen show, some time at the water park, and siestas every afternoon!

Have you considered popping over to Universal Studios and/or Harry Potter too?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

You'll love DLH! Great pool, love that it is adjacent to Downtown Disney. I do agree 10 days is a long time, but with small kids, it will give you a chance to relax!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...I do agree 10 days is a long time, but with small kids, it will give you a chance to relax!

And plenty of time to get over jet lag! That flight from Australia is a long one. Your trip plan will give everyone plenty of time to transition and adjust.

 

[avalon451]

That sounds wonderful. You might think about a beach day in between there sometime, and maybe Universal?

 

[Hawkeye83]

Thanks heaps! We arent looking at universal atm as we feel the kids are too young and wont have seen any of the movies so looking at legoland instead as my son is lego obsessed!
Im hoping that the courtyard still gives us easy access to DL and that DLH isnt too far a walk away - its hard as we have never been before so i really appreciate any advice

 

[gottalovepluto]

Knotts is fun for a day. There are roller coasters but last time we went we did one roller coaster. We did the stage coach ride (old time stagecoach, horses and everything), train (there's a little show on board), Kraken (maybe too intense for kids? Sorry idk there), watched the stunt show (quite funny, lots of physical comedy, easy for kids to understand but enjoyable for adults too). The kids area looked pretty fun & I am informed when I was under 10 I had an absolute blast there. It's Old West themed. I wouldn't hesitate to take young kids for a day at Knotts. It's a quick drive from Disneyland.

 

[cruisehopeful]

The Legoland Hotel is very cute. Be sure to check the calendar for hours as there are times of the year where Legoland closes for a couple days per week. Legoland is primarily a one day park, but if your children are young and lego fanatics, they will be happy to spend extra time there. If you do find you have more time than you need, you could always visit the beach, the zoo or the safari park.

If you can stay at Grand Californian instead of Disneyland Hotel, it is more convenient walking to and from the parks, especially California Adventure park. The Disneyland hotel is nice, but a longer walk back to the room if you need midday breaks. The downsides to the Disney hotels is that you won't have any cooking facilities. Sometimes it is nice to be able to have breakfast in the room.

I am not familiar with the Courtyard hotel.

 

[tomato]

Thanks heaps! We arent looking at universal atm as we feel the kids are too young and wont have seen any of the movies so looking at legoland instead as my son is lego obsessed!
Im hoping that the courtyard still gives us easy access to DL and that DLH isnt too far a walk away - its hard as we have never been before so i really appreciate any advice

Both DLH and the Courtyard Marriott are nice, easy distances to the gates. Probably 5-8 minutes for the Courtyard, depending on if your little ones are keeping up. DLH is slightly further away, but you would be walking through Downtown Disney, so it's a fun walk. Plus you also always have the option to enter the park on the Monorail, which is on the DLH end of Downtown Disney.

Just don't do the Monorail on your first day there because it exits at the far end of Disneyland, and you'll miss the opportunity to see the iconic entrance for your first moments at the park. Other times entering, especially if you intend to start your day at tomorrowland, definitely use the monorail! Save yourself many steps!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Your plan sounds perfect. With little kids 10 days will be nice. You'll get pool time.