WDW Vet Coming to Disney Land - Help

[coachyo]

Hello,
We have been to WDW several times and fell very comfortable planning for it.
But now we have a chance to go to DL in June for a few days.
Can ya help us out with some planning ideas. Just found out we may be able to do this so I have no ideas how similar or not it is to WDW for planning.

Hotel recomendations-clean nice and close
Park ideas for 17 & 14 yr old DD's
Eating -character meals for fun places.

That should get us a good start on the basics.

Thanks, YO

 

[Hound 109]

Hello,
We have been to WDW several times and fell very comfortable planning for it.
But now we have a chance to go to DL in June for a few days.
Can ya help us out with some planning ideas. Just found out we may be able to do this so I have no ideas how similar or not it is to WDW for planning.

Hotel recomendations-clean nice and close
Park ideas for 17 & 14 yr old DD's
Eating -character meals for fun places.

That should get us a good start on the basics.

Thanks, YO

Read this thread that was authored by a neighbor of your's:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Essential reading for the WDW vet visiting DLR for the first time.


Then read some of the other sticky's found here. (Especially Hydroguy's other threads). Lots & lots of info for the first time visitor.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276


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

 

[tinkermell]

First of all, welcome to the DL boards!

Second.......

READ Hydroguys stickeys!! Super information for everybody. He has one especially for WDW vets!

Hotels- Onsite are discounted for the summer.
Paradise Pier- 30%
Disneyland- 35%
Grand Californian-40%
They're all nice and have perks for staying onsite.

Offsite:
Hojos is a popular choice.
Best Western Park Place is good, and right across the street.
Candy Cane is nice.
Those are the only ones I've stayed at within walking distance.

Have fun planning!

 

[tinkermell]

Read this thread that was authored by a neighbor of your's:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Essential reading for the WDW vet visiting DLR for the first time.


Then read some of the other sticky's found here. (Especially Hydroguy's other threads). Lots & lots of info for the first time visitor.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276


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

Ya beat me to it!

How are you?

 

[HydroGuy]

Hello,
We have been to WDW several times and fell very comfortable planning for it.
But now we have a chance to go to DL in June for a few days.
Can ya help us out with some planning ideas. Just found out we may be able to do this so I have no ideas how similar or not it is to WDW for planning.

Hotel recomendations-clean nice and close
Park ideas for 17 & 14 yr old DD's
Eating -character meals for fun places.

That should get us a good start on the basics.

Thanks, YO

I hope you get to go not just to DL (Disneyland) but also to DCA and all of Disneyland Resort (DLR).

Be very careful about your dates in June. Be very careful. It is a very tricky month with regard to crowds. What days are you looking at it?

See

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

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

 

[Huff]

Disneyland Resort is considerably different than Disneyworld. Biggest difference is that EVERYTHING is all in one compact area. Park Hopping is the normal since the two parks are 5 minutes walk between them. The 3 Disney hotels along with Downtown Disney are also in walking distance. In fact, there are for the most part no roads or trams between them, just walking paths.

Will you have a car? That will make some difference as to hotels. Staying onsite at one of the three Disney resorts is rather expensive but some feel is worth it. There are hotels directly across the main gate. I prefer staying at one of the non-Disney resorts about 1/2 to 1 mile away such as Hilton, Red Lion, Hojo, Marriot etc. All the area hotels either have their own shuttle to Disneyland or are serviced by the Anaheim Transit buses which are frequent. Shuttle costs are either free or very inexpensive depending on hotel.

Again, once at Disneyland you will not use any transportation other than your feet to get to/from Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney or any of the 3 Disney resorts for dining etc. with the exception of possibly the monorail to get between Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland inside Disneyland (Can't ride monorail without a Disneyland admission ticket or annual pass).

For Character buffets most seem to prefer Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. I have not tried that myself but have tried Minnies on Main Street or Stitch and Lilos which are both good.