WDW expert with a million Disneyland ??'s

[mrFDNY]

Hi gang,
So we are actually thinking about hitting Disneyland for presidents week and while we've been to Wdw over 20+ times, to be honest we have never been to Disneyland, So here goes.

1. What airport is closest to DL, or what airport do you guys fly into to?
A. I assume there is no magical express, so who do you recommond we use to get to our hotel?

2. Can someone suggest a hotel or what are the Disney owned hotels and i would imagine they have shuttles to get to the parks, right?

Anythings else you can suggest?
I'm sure i'll have more questions, so be on the look like for new threads.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Where is Hydroguy with his links?

 

[VandVsmama]

You won't need a shuttle, there are a lot of hotel/motel options that are within walking distance. Hojo's is popular on this message board, but there are a lot of other Disney Good Neighbor motels that are fine as well. Disney has 3 "on site" hotels...Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, and the Grand Californian. Where you end up staying depends on:

1. your budget
2. how many frills you want

There are some really useful sticky threads on the main Disneyland page on this board that has a lot of great info in it...including a thread that is geared toward WDW veterans who are going to Disneyland for the 1st time.

 

[skiingfast]

Where is Hydroguy with his links?

Here the link. Usually called the DLR guide for WDW vets, also the ton of answers for tons of questions thread.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Reading the stickies at thetop of the board would have answered your questions. looks like SF beat me to one of the links

Jack

 

[mrFDNY]

Ok, thx everyone for the info. Still can't figure out, which airport is closest??

 

[sonnyjane]

Ok, thx everyone for the info. Still can't figure out, which airport is closest??

As far as actual distance in miles, SNA, then LGB, then LAX of the major airports in the area.

It's right here from that post Skiingfast linked you to (but I'll add it again):http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

"Regarding air transportation, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA - nearest DLR and in Orange County), Ontario airport (ONT) or Long Beach Airport (LGB).

See this excellent link for updated transportation information: "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

I know it's a big thread and very daunting, but it really has almost ALL the answers, so please read it. It will really help your planning!

 

[Willow25]

mrFDNY,

I find the accomodation is always frustrating at Disneyland. It is a very different decision than at WDW. Basically the hotels on Harbor directly across the street from DLR are not the greatest but they are good enough for what you need at DLR. When we stay at WDW we usually spring for a suite as we have kids, are traveling from Australia, and are staying for about two weeks. At DLR we only stay for about five days and spend most of our time at the parks therefore are only resting in the room vs WDW where we spend more time at the resort pool and other activities.

A lot of DLR veterans recommend HOJO on Harbor but we prefer one of the other hotels that are a bit closer as we have two small kiddos.

The onsite hotels at DLR in my opinion are not worth the ridiculous price tag. The Grand Californian has a beatiful lobby and pool but their rooms are not all that great and some are a long walking distance to the parks. Disneyland Hotel has nice Disney theming but is just a normal hotel underneath. The Paradise Pier is really just a glorified Harbor Hotel.

You will really enjoy DLR it is really charming!!

 

[radius]

Ok, thx everyone for the info. Still can't figure out, which airport is closest??

Santa Ana/Orange County is the closest airport. It's also the most convenient in my opinion.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Santa Ana/Orange County is the closest airport. It's also the most convenient in my opinion.

We really like SNA too, but LAX is often cheaper, depending on which airline you choose.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We like Candy Cane Inn because they are walking distance right next door and they have their own shuttle if you want AND they have a free breakfast. It saves time in the morning having to find something to eat. It has charming grounds and we are staying there for a week for about the same price as several days onsite.

 

[AquaDame]

We like carousel inn for convenience (only a Best Western is closer and it is next door) just a walk one hotel up the block, cross the street and walk by the shuttle dropoffs to the entrance to either park. The rates tend to be very affordable (we paid in the 80s last Sept and are paying in the 70s next week), the hotel is great for just a place to crash (beds are comfy) but the breakfast is pretty awful... coffee was not good, very small very limited pastries and a type of fruit with 2 kinds of cereal. Fine for free, but my parents upgraded to the 'deluxe' breakfast and were simply handed a premade lukewarm and soggy Quiznos breakfast sammy. They tried to pass them off on us the other mornings rather than let them go to waste but we declined...

 

[elaw]

As far as actual distance in miles, SNA, then LGB, then LAX of the major airports in the area.

It's right here from that post Skiingfast linked you to (but I'll add it again):http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

"Regarding air transportation, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA - nearest DLR and in Orange County), Ontario airport (ONT) or Long Beach Airport (LGB).

See this excellent link for updated transportation information: "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

I know it's a big thread and very daunting, but it really has almost ALL the answers, so please read it. It will really help your planning!

Don't forget about the Burbank (Bob Hope) Airport BUR as an option ... its 36 miles vs 26 for LAX but IMO a very passenger freindly option.