Trip planning for Disneyland 1st timer

[lsumatt72]

Hi guys! Lifelong WDW visitor but have never been to DLR. A few questions:

1) Best time of year to go? If/when we do book our trip, I'm thinking Thanksgiving/New Year's or Mardi Gras (for us Louisianians) would be the options to go

2) Best place to stay? I know the Disneyland Hotel is across the street, but are there better options? Do any hotels provide shuttles to the parks?

3) Food options/tips? Being a WDW visitor, the dining plan has been my go-to but I know DLR does not have that.

4) I'm also wanting to go sight-see LA for a couple of days? Tips/things to go see while there? Best way of getting to these places (won't be renting a car.)

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

1) Best time of year to go? If/when we do book our trip, I'm thinking Thanksgiving/New Year's or Mardi Gras (for us Louisianians) would be the options to go

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

2) Best place to stay? I know the Disneyland Hotel is across the street, but are there better options? Do any hotels provide shuttles to the parks?

See the sticky threads at the top as well as

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

3) Food options/tips? Being a WDW visitor, the dining plan has been my go-to but I know DLR does not have that.

See sticky threads at the top as well as

"What WDW Vets Need to Know About Dining at DLR" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2914467

4) I'm also wanting to go sight-see LA for a couple of days? Tips/things to go see while there? Best way of getting to these places (won't be renting a car.)

See section 23 in "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Also check out the sub forum

https://www.disboards.com/forums/southern-california-theme-parks.129/

 

[choirboy501]

The boards have a lot of good info.

I'd also pick up a copy of the Unofficial Guide for additional info.

 

[countofmc]

Hi guys! Lifelong WDW visitor but have never been to DLR. A few questions:

1) Best time of year to go? If/when we do book our trip, I'm thinking Thanksgiving/New Year's or Mardi Gras (for us Louisianians) would be the options to go

2) Best place to stay? I know the Disneyland Hotel is across the street, but are there better options? Do any hotels provide shuttles to the parks?

3) Food options/tips? Being a WDW visitor, the dining plan has been my go-to but I know DLR does not have that.

4) I'm also wanting to go sight-see LA for a couple of days? Tips/things to go see while there? Best way of getting to these places (won't be renting a car.)

Thanks!

I'm not a big fan of huge crowds, so I target downtimes. Without a doubt my favorite time to go was that early December period when the Holiday stuff is up but the crowds are still pretty mellow. We did it last year for the first time and it was an awesome experience.

There are off-site hotels that provide shuttles. I think some are free and some charge. I've stayed at the DLH several times, I personally think it's getting a bit long in the tooth even after the relatively recent renovations, and of course it's pricey. But if you haven't stayed there before, I do recommend staying there at least once to get that experience. I have not stayed at the GCH yet, but am planning on doing so after they finish renovations. There are also off-site hotels that are very close to the parks, even closer than DLH by walk.

During busy times reservations are recommended for dining, but during quieter times sometimes not. For example sometimes we've been able to walk into Napa Rose without a reservation and get seated. This is the thing I do like about DLR, as I'm a spontaneous off-the-cuff kind of guy. So I just like trying out different eateries as I see them. Overall, for "fine" dining I'd recommend Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55. And for CS, Plaza Inn is a favorite of mine.

Wow, no idea on the 4th question and I used to actually live in LA. I mean on the transportation front. It's such a car culture down there, I would strongly strongly recommend renting a car if just for 1 day, I think it's almost a must if you want to visit the LA area. As for what to see, it's such a huge city I guess it depends on your personality and what you like to do.