Trip To Disneyland - Some help with Basics?

[Skwinkles]

Hi All,

I'm trying to plan a trip to Disneyland and I'm at a loss as to where to start. We've been to WDW many many times, but I know nothing about Disneyland and would love some insight into a few basic things.

1.) We're thinking about staying at Paradise Pier. How do you get to the parks from there - walking or shuttle?

2.) Which airports are closest to DL? How far? Is there a shuttle or would we need to rent a car?

3.) Can you recommend some good planning websites?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Barbday62]

I can help with a few of the questions:

Paradise pier is walking distance to the parks. I have stayed there and its not real far. we walked along a path and back then could enter CA through a back gate but I heard they closed it so you just continue to downtown disney and you can walk the remainder or take the monorail to the back of the park.

I have only flown into LAX because the closer hotel is more. We used supershuttle to get us to and from the hotel. (Paradise pier in fact)
There are many hotels in the area that have car rental places in them if you want a car. We never needed it that trip. Now I live 5 1/2 hours drive so I nver fly and always have my car there. I read John Wayne airpor is closer but I have friends who trie dto go there and the fee was substantially higher for them. Price them out. I think Super shuttle was maybe $50 or $60 round trip? It was about a half hour to 45 minute ride because we flew non rush hour times. (What they say is true about LA rush hours!!)

 

[DisneyDotty]

Hi! We've been to WDW many times, and to DLR last December for the 1st time. We flew into John Wayne from ORD--trip to DLR (we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel--wonderful place!) was quick--maybe 15-20 minutes. We used SuperShuttle, too, but it was part of our package so I can't tell you how much it cost.
You will love how close everything is at DLR! Walking from your hotel, through Downtown Disney, to the parks is such an easy and enjoyable 10 minutes or so. You can catch the monorail at a stop in DTD--it drops you off in Tomorrowland at Dlsneyland.
I got a lot of info from the Disneyland section of these boards--everyone is so helpful, and the info was quite reliable. I also bought Birnbaum's guide to DLR--mainly for the coupons in the back.
Have a magical trip!