WDW vet, but DLR newbie ???

[Zippa D Doodah]

The family and I (DW, DD13, DS10) have been to WDW 15 times now. DW and I have been to SoCal before, but none of us has ever been to DLR. It looks like June 2011 might be our time to go. I have many questions, but will start with these:

- Is it feasible to stay in a motel near DLR for a week and go to DL a few days and then drive into LA and see the other touristy stuff (Universal Studios; Santa Monica; Long Beach; Hollywood; maybe even San Diego etc)? Or would I be better served staying in Anaheim for part of the stay and more into LA the other part of the stay?

- Are there non-Disney motels that are walking distance to the parks?

- How does the SoCal weather in early/mid June compare to FL weather?

I know there will be many more questions to come, but thanks for any input on these!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Right across from the entrance to Disneyland is a whole bunch of motel/hotels on Harbor Blvd and all the way around basically. Most of the motels are very nice & being so conveniently close, you can go back & forth to the parks in just minutes.

Our favorites are the Howard Johnson (HoJo) which is about a 8 minute walk & the Tropicana Inn which is probably about 4 minutes. Lots of choices!!!

Can't help with the weather question.

 

[tdashgirl]

Hydroguy's tips are the bomb. I totally agree with 'em for the most part. Go to this thread to see 'em ... weather, DL for WDW vets, DL hotel rule (stay within walking distance) ... etc.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

 

[oc_tony]

June is typically cool and cloudy in the mornings (we call it "June Gloom" here in SoCal), then it gets sunny and temps hang around the 70-80s. There is little to no humidity, and rain is rare. Compared to WDW in June, DLR's weather is much better.

If you have a car, you can definitely use Anaheim as your "home base" with the exception of San Diego. You can make SD a day trip, but there is certainly enough to see and do down there, that getting a hotel for one night is worth it, IMHO. Other places in the LA/OC area (beaches, Universal, Hollywood) are not more than a 60-90 minute drive from DLR, even with traffic.

 

[AmyPond]

The family and I (DW, DD13, DS10) have been to WDW 15 times now. DW and I have been to SoCal before, but none of us has ever been to DLR. It looks like June 2011 might be our time to go. I have many questions, but will start with these:

- Is it feasible to stay in a motel near DLR for a week and go to DL a few days and then drive into LA and see the other touristy stuff (Universal Studios; Santa Monica; Long Beach; Hollywood; maybe even San Diego etc)? Or would I be better served staying in Anaheim for part of the stay and more into LA the other part of the stay?

- Are there non-Disney motels that are walking distance to the parks?

- How does the SoCal weather in early/mid June compare to FL weather?

I know there will be many more questions to come, but thanks for any input on these!

It's really just a matter of preference. If you don't like moving hotels or you can get a good deal in Anaheim, it wouldn't be too big of a deal to drive to other touristy things nearyby. San Diego is the only one that can be a bit of a drive.

There are a lot of non-Disney hotels within walking distance and most (all?) are more affordable than the on-site hotels. A lot of people here recommend the Hojo. I prefer the Anaheim Plaza because it's super cheap and we aren't picky. There are a lot of other options as well, it just depends on what you're looking for in a hotel. Here's the official list of "good neighbors" hotels - Click Here.

June can be cool. June can be hot. It's hard to say. It will most likely be way less hot/humid than Florida at that time though.

 

[Master Mason]

The family and I (DW, DD13, DS10) have been to WDW 15 times now. DW and I have been to SoCal before, but none of us has ever been to DLR. It looks like June 2011 might be our time to go. I have many questions, but will start with these:

- Is it feasible to stay in a motel near DLR for a week and go to DL a few days and then drive into LA and see the other touristy stuff (Universal Studios; Santa Monica; Long Beach; Hollywood; maybe even San Diego etc)? Or would I be better served staying in Anaheim for part of the stay and more into LA the other part of the stay?

- Are there non-Disney motels that are walking distance to the parks?

- How does the SoCal weather in early/mid June compare to FL weather?

I know there will be many more questions to come, but thanks for any input on these!

sure you don't come to your friend and ask

I have been going to DL for 45 years now, I have never once stayed in a Disney property, it's not worth the cost. The layout is very different than WDW where I would never choose to stay off property.

There are a few hotels that are actually closer to the entrances than the disney onees.

probably a little hotter, but way less humid.

 

[HydroGuy]

- Is it feasible to stay in a motel near DLR for a week and go to DL a few days and then drive into LA and see the other touristy stuff (Universal Studios; Santa Monica; Long Beach; Hollywood; maybe even San Diego etc)? Or would I be better served staying in Anaheim for part of the stay and more into LA the other part of the stay?

You can do LA from Anaheim and that might be a good idea. San Diego is too far (80+ miles) and if you want to go down to SD you should get a place down there.

- Are there non-Disney motels that are walking distance to the parks?

At least a dozen. See

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b

- How does the SoCal weather in early/mid June compare to FL weather?

On average much cooler, less humidity and much less rain. Weather at DLR is way more tolerable than WDW weather in the summer. See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

Also...

Check out this link by my favorite DISer: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And some links that impact June:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

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

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[AmyPond]

You can do LA from Anaheim and that might be a good idea. San Diego is too far (80+ miles) and if you want to go down to SD you should get a place down there.

At least a dozen. See

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b


On average much cooler, less humidity and much less rain. Weather at DLR is way more tolerable than WDW weather in the summer. See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

Also...

Check out this link by my favorite DISer: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And some links that impact June:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

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

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Did you just call yourself your favorite diser?

 

[HydroGuy]

Did you just call yourself your favorite diser?

 

[mamian16]

The portofino is great but the Courtyard Mariott is closest

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

June is typically cool and cloudy in the mornings (we call it "June Gloom" here in SoCal), then it gets sunny and temps hang around the 70-80s. There is little to no humidity, and rain is rare. Compared to WDW in June, DLR's weather is much better.

If you have a car, you can definitely use Anaheim as your "home base" with the exception of San Diego. You can make SD a day trip, but there is certainly enough to see and do down there, that getting a hotel for one night is worth it, IMHO. Other places in the LA/OC area (beaches, Universal, Hollywood) are not more than a 60-90 minute drive from DLR, even with traffic.

Sounds great. I remember SoCal summer weather, but it's been about 20 years since I've been out there.

It's really just a matter of preference. If you don't like moving hotels or you can get a good deal in Anaheim, it wouldn't be too big of a deal to drive to other touristy things nearyby. San Diego is the only one that can be a bit of a drive.

There are a lot of non-Disney hotels within walking distance and most (all?) are more affordable than the on-site hotels. A lot of people here recommend the Hojo. I prefer the Anaheim Plaza because it's super cheap and we aren't picky. There are a lot of other options as well, it just depends on what you're looking for in a hotel. Here's the official list of "good neighbors" hotels - Click Here.

June can be cool. June can be hot. It's hard to say. It will most likely be way less hot/humid than Florida at that time though.

Thanks for the info

sure you don't come to your friend and ask

I have been going to DL for 45 years now, I have never once stayed in a Disney property, it's not worth the cost. The layout is very different than WDW where I would never choose to stay off property.

There are a few hotels that are actually closer to the entrances than the disney onees.

probably a little hotter, but way less humid.

I'll need to consult you and Wonder extensively between now and June 2011.

You can do LA from Anaheim and that might be a good idea. San Diego is too far (80+ miles) and if you want to go down to SD you should get a place down there.

At least a dozen. See

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b


On average much cooler, less humidity and much less rain. Weather at DLR is way more tolerable than WDW weather in the summer. See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

Also...

Check out this link by my favorite DISer: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And some links that impact June:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

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

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Good heavens, man! That thread rocks my socks. I found it last night and you can bet I bookmarked it. It was a joy to read your opening posts. So informative! Thank you very much for compiling and posting all that.

 

[travellovingirl]

HydroGuy,

My daughter says, "As a WDW TGM family, we want you to know you ROCK OUR SOCKS!"

I say.. Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

HydroGuy,

My daughter says, "As a WDW TGM family, we want you to know you ROCK OUR SOCKS!"

I say.. Thanks!

Wow. Two rock the socks in two days! I feel appreciated.

 

[Hound 109]

Careful people.....this is a family oriented website.


Definitely read all of HGs tip threads (& MaryJo's tip thread too).

& regarding the weather of Orlando vs. SoCal in June?? It's wonderfully, gloriously cool (in the morning & evenings) with low humidity.

& at DLR, you don't need to ride any stinkin' buses like at WDW.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Careful people.....this is a family oriented website.


Definitely read all of HGs tip threads (& MaryJo's tip thread too).

& regarding the weather of Orlando vs. SoCal in June?? It's wonderfully, gloriously cool (in the morning & evenings) with low humidity.

& at DLR, you don't need to ride any stinkin' buses like at WDW.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

I enjoyed reading your TR. Lots of of good DLR info to be gleaned in there.

 

[zeitzeuge]

I've done both parks, preferring DL as our home park.

Staying on property to me just isn't worth the cost and there are Good Neighbor Hotels right across the street from the parks, that are closer than the Resort hotels. Most are between 5-15 minute walk to the front gates. Dining isn't the same at DL. No need for reservations, but then again the food isn't as good. It's good food, just not what you're use to at WDW. So many more attractions at DL than WDW. The weather in CA, especially for June kicks FL's butt. Cool and no humidity.

We've done the drive down to SD thing before. You really do need to get a hotel and stay over night. There's enough to do in SD to spend a couple days. That 2 hours in traffic each way eats into your day. Traveling to anywhere else you're talking about, I'd just stay in Anaheim. LA's about 40 minutes with little traffic.

 

[pixarmom]

We are WDW vets and have WDW APs (although I just upgraded to Premier to get the DL discounts for our family!) We were just at WDW in March and July and DL in August, so I'll add our perspective.

On the hotels, we stayed at GCH with a 40% room only discount, and I was really glad we did. We found GCH more active than most WDW resort hotels, which I felt was a bit hectic, but my husband loved it (he'd call it "bustling!) Our family is split - our three boys and I rank Beach Club at WDW #1, and my husband ranks GCH at DL #1. I was very happy that we stayed on property, because if you think you'll miss the "disney immersion" factor of WDW, we got that at DL with no problem at GCH! It was entirely worth the cost to us (but again, at a 40% discount.)

Dining - I know everyone said we didn't need to do this, but it's hard for us as WDW vets not to make dining reservations way in advance! So, yes, I called exactly 60 days in advance for each day of our trip (that's how it works at DL) to make our dining reservations. We did one CS (mexican in DCA - it was really, really good) and then Storytellers, Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe, Storytellers breakfast, Wine Country Trattoria and Tortilla Jo's in DTD. They were all good - our favorites were Blue Bayou and Wine Country.

I do have to add my usual plug for Newport Beach (the peninsula- up near the Balboa pier and including Balboa Island) and Catalina Island. We also like going into Hollywood - it's a kick!

Finally, we absolutely loved DL. WDW will always be our "home park" and our favorite given our family traditions there, but DL significantly exceeded all of our expectations. Even our WDW-loyal boys deemed things "the best of any Disney park" several times. Use your WDW touring strategies (especially if you get up and going early - I swear nobody wakes up early at DL) and it will be great! We'll be back after Cars Land opens - the plans look amazing!

Enjoy!!

 

[AmyPond]

Dining reservations are good (although I've never done them at DLR and only done a couple at WDW.) But I think what previous posters were talking about is the lack of a dining plan at Disneyland.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I've done both parks, preferring DL as our home park.

Staying on property to me just isn't worth the cost and there are Good Neighbor Hotels right across the street from the parks, that are closer than the Resort hotels. Most are between 5-15 minute walk to the front gates. Dining isn't the same at DL. No need for reservations, but then again the food isn't as good. It's good food, just not what you're use to at WDW. So many more attractions at DL than WDW. The weather in CA, especially for June kicks FL's butt. Cool and no humidity.

We've done the drive down to SD thing before. You really do need to get a hotel and stay over night. There's enough to do in SD to spend a couple days. That 2 hours in traffic each way eats into your day. Traveling to anywhere else you're talking about, I'd just stay in Anaheim. LA's about 40 minutes with little traffic.

Thanks for the good insights! Having glanced over the food options at DL and DCA it doesn't looks like there is anything my gang would be thrilled about, so maybe we could get by with CS and off-property choices.

Sounds like the weather is just what I am looking for.

The whole SD leg of the trip is up in the air at this point (9 months out). I have never visited there, and everyone says it is so beautiful. I want to go, but then again I think if I'm going to pull up stakes and relocate I might head another direction (NoCal? Vegas? AZ? so many choices). Gotta figure first and foremost what I would want to be sure my kids experienced out west.

We are WDW vets and have WDW APs (although I just upgraded to Premier to get the DL discounts for our family!) We were just at WDW in March and July and DL in August, so I'll add our perspective.

On the hotels, we stayed at GCH with a 40% room only discount, and I was really glad we did. We found GCH more active than most WDW resort hotels, which I felt was a bit hectic, but my husband loved it (he'd call it "bustling!) Our family is split - our three boys and I rank Beach Club at WDW #1, and my husband ranks GCH at DL #1. I was very happy that we stayed on property, because if you think you'll miss the "disney immersion" factor of WDW, we got that at DL with no problem at GCH! It was entirely worth the cost to us (but again, at a 40% discount.)

Dining - I know everyone said we didn't need to do this, but it's hard for us as WDW vets not to make dining reservations way in advance! So, yes, I called exactly 60 days in advance for each day of our trip (that's how it works at DL) to make our dining reservations. We did one CS (mexican in DCA - it was really, really good) and then Storytellers, Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe, Storytellers breakfast, Wine Country Trattoria and Tortilla Jo's in DTD. They were all good - our favorites were Blue Bayou and Wine Country.

I do have to add my usual plug for Newport Beach (the peninsula- up near the Balboa pier and including Balboa Island) and Catalina Island. We also like going into Hollywood - it's a kick!

Finally, we absolutely loved DL. WDW will always be our "home park" and our favorite given our family traditions there, but DL significantly exceeded all of our expectations. Even our WDW-loyal boys deemed things "the best of any Disney park" several times. Use your WDW touring strategies (especially if you get up and going early - I swear nobody wakes up early at DL) and it will be great! We'll be back after Cars Land opens - the plans look amazing!

Enjoy!!

Interesting perspective. Yep, we WDW types are fussy about our ADRs. Funny thing as I dream about this trip... I am actually looking forward to NOT being immersed in Disney 24/7. There's something about being based in a SoCal hotel for a week and branching out to do a variety of things that appeals to me. One thing though, I will definitely be on the lookout for hotels that offer suites. I'll pay some extra money for the extra space and privacy for my family.


So what does everyone think about the jaunt into Hollywood/LA. There are a lot of things I want to do there (tour Hollywood; USH; spend a lazy afternoon around the Santa Monica pier; Long Beach; maybe a baseball game if the Dodgers or Angels are in town -these all come to mind). Plus we'll need to lay eyes on some iconic stuff like Griffith Park, Hollywood Bowl, Rodeo Dr, etc. Could I fit it all in to do DLR for three days and other stuff for four days?
Also, what are some other "must do" things for pop-culturally aware young teens?

 

[Master Mason]

Zip,

Take a look at the Southern California City Pass. It's a great deal and gives you a 3 day pass to DL, a day at Universal, a day at Sea World in San Diego, and a choice of the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park.

I did this in 06 and thought it was great.

And don't forget that the Nixon Library is about 20 minutes or less from Disney and the Reagan one is about an hour away