WDW Vet, DL 1st time-lots of Q's--Help!

[Chicago526]

I've been to WDW 4 times now, so I've got park stratagies down cold. But I've never been to DL, and my mom and I are planning to go in late Feb. A few questions....

Mom wants 2 nights, I want three. How long do we need if we don't want to rush?

Any must do's in Calif. Adven? Any must restaurants?

What's the weather like late Feb?

I found mediocer to bad reviews of both the DL Hotel and Paradise Pier, what do you guys think of these hotels?

Has anyone done the meal plans, and are they worth it?

Too many questions, or am I just Goofy?

Thanks everyone!

 

[mystycalchyk]

Welll just try to not compare Disneyland to the Magic Kingdom in WDW.

I personally prefer Disneyland but thats just me. I prefer the smaller magical feel.

One thing sorely lacking in the Magic Kingdom in WDW is New Orleans square. Its the best part for me.

Go to the Blue Bayou for lunch or dinner. It's the restaurant you will see while just starting on POTC. Get there early in the Morning to make your reservations.

I think 2 days would be pushing it if you've never been. The weather should be wonderful...cool, but not cold. The crowds will be minimal.

I honestly have never done the meal plans (although I'm considering for our next trip, since we had such a wonderful experience with them at WDW in May) and I cannot tell you about the hotels, as I am too cheap. We stayed on property in WDW (but its much easier there) we have never stayed in one of the Disney owned hotels in CA sad to say. One day *dreams*

I am one of the weirdos who actually likes CA Adventure. I cannot say I prefer it by any means, but Im not a hater.
I would definately hit "Soarin' over CA" as it's the best IMHO. (Ask to be put in the center, top) and look for the hidden Mickey . I love the rides over on Paradise Pier (especially CA Screamin' and The Sunwheel). And I also enjoy going to the little 'factories' for samples of tortillas and sourdough bread Little things like that are the things alot of people tend to miss.


Like you in WDW, we have Disneyland donw to an art. We were lost in WDW and felt like a tourist. Disneyland is my home space. Again, try to steer clear of 'comparing' the two. It cannot be done. It will only lead to disappointment. Thats the one thing I wish I hadnt done at WDW. I was really disappointed with the Magic Kingdom. I think we all love what we know. Just go and experience the original dream, feel the history and soak up the magical atmosphere. It's truly a wonderul place.

 

[daannzzz]

To see everything at the two parks and not be too rushed you will need 3 days at the parks.
California Adventure attractions that are good and you can't find anywhere else are
Soarin over California
Aladdin in the Hyperion theater
The Animation exhibit
Golden Zephyr (a minor attraction but pretty and it is a very nostalgiac ride for those who remember them)
California Screamin is a very fun coaster though not spectacular
Grizzly River Run is a great rapids ride but mught be a bit cold depending on the weather.
Good restaurants at DCA are Ariel's Grotto and the Vineyard room. Right next door at the Grand Californian Hotel is the Storyteller Cafe.
At Disneyland The Blue Bayou is the Main full service restaurant. The Carnation Cafe is a very small sidewalk cafe with full service. The rest of the restaurants are counter service. The Plaza Inn is good as is Redd Rockets Pizza Port. The pizza ia just okay but the pastas and salads are good.
The weather could be rainy and/or cold or it could be in the 70's and 80's. Prepare for anything!!!
The Paradise Pier Hotel is a fine place though a bit bland. The rooms are decent size and nicely decorated in Modern Mickey ( soon to be renovated I hear). They are comfortable and quiet. Rooms in the two towers look over the suburbs of Anaheim or have spectacular views of California Adventure. If you can get a price of $125 or lower that is a good deal.
The Disneyland Hotel is one of my favorites. It doesent have a great exterior theme like the resorts at WDW but the room interiors are wonderful. The rooms are nice size and some of them are large. The decore is semi formal victorian with loads of references to Disneyland, Mickey and Tinkerbell. The rooms are in three towers with a variety of views. The rooms in the Sierra tower are biggest with direct views of DCA, Downtown Disney and Disneyland. Bonita tower has views south over the parkinglot across Anaheim. The Marina Tower has views north across the parkinglot with Disneyland to the far right. All three towers have views facing the large courtyard where the pools and restaurants are.
I have never done the meal Plan so can't help there.
You are not Goofy.

 

[CalGal]

I agree with most everything already said, but will offer my thoughts anyway.

Even though I've been to DL several times, I still prefer to spend at least 3 or 4 days there. Of course, I like to re-ride several rides, and I always like to watch the parades.

I definitely agree that Soaring Over California is an absolute don't miss. The Electric Light Parade is also very special. Its age, if anything, just adds to its unique magic. In addition to some of the other rides at CA mentioned by daannzzz, I strongly recommend Indiana Jones at DL. It's kind of like Dinosaur in style, but much more exciting. Many of the rides at DL are a little different from their counterpart at WDW, so it's kind of fun to compare the individual rides, especially Splash, Pirates, and Peter Pan.

While I've stayed at all 3 Disney resorts, it's been a couple of years. I've loved the DLH, and I've had so-so stays. The so-so stay was just before the renovation and when turnover in the job market was high, so I wouldn't go by that experience. The PP is less Disney and is just a hotel rather than a resort, but it's still nice. Neither really compares to some of the WDW luxury resorts, but they are still fun. There are several other nice non-Disney hotels close by if you don't want to pay for the Disney touches. But do try to get the Park Hopper with multiple Fast Pass availability (available through Disney or AAA?), especially if you plan to do a lot of rides.

The weather should be cool, but nice. Sweatshirts are usually enough, but bring your ponchos and layers. Feb. can be pretty wet. President's Week (2/14-2/21) will be crowded, but the end of Feb. should be great!

In addition to the restaurants daannzzz mentioned, DTD has a few fun offerings. I understand Blue Bayou at DL now takes PS ahead of time (it used to be day only reservations). And while you aren't Goofy, I have a soft spot for Goofy's Kitchen at the DLH. Be a kid, even if you are traveling without children. Reservations are recommended.

Have a great time!

 

[pamkass]

Hi Chicago526,
We leave in less than 2 weeks. We also go to WDW all the time, we went 15 time already. This is only our 2nd time. We are going with the meal plan, and staying on property. When we get back I will let you know about the meal plan.
Pam

 

[jordanyosh]

I've been to both several times and each has it's own unique appeal.

3 days is a must even if it is a slow time of year. You definitely want to enjoy the parks and the detail that has gone into creating both parks.

DCA must dos: Soarin, Grizzly River Run, Screamin, Aladdin.

Restaurants: My favorite restaurants are at the Grand Californian. Storytellers and Napa Rose are very good. Redd Rockets Pizza Port at DL is good. Huge salads. I also like Naples in DTD. Napolinis is a good quick service rest in DTD. Granvilles at the DLH has great steaks.

Weather in Feb in Calif is hard to predict. Jan/Feb/March are our rainy months. However, it rarely rains continuously.

Theming at PP and DLH is not the greatest, but proximity to DTD and the parks makes up for any lack of theming.

Hope that helps

 

[Chicago526]

Pamkass, have a great trip and I look forward to a trip report!

Thanks everyone! I booked my mom and I at the Grand Californian. I'm a travel agent and got an industry rate of $179!!! I luuuuuv my job! We're staying for three nights, so we should have plenty of time. We can't do the meal plan, because of the way the hotel has to be booked for my disount, but that's okay I'm sure we'll do fine. Combine the low hotel rate with my discounted 3 day park hopper at $75 and cheap air on Southwest, and a free first class ticket on United (I'm flying on UA from Chicago to Phoenix to meet my mom, and we're flying from there to CA on SW) and I'm looking at a cheap first class Disney vacation. Woo-Hoo! Does life get any better? No, I think not!

I'll check out all the restaurants you guys recommended. It's Disney so even so-so is better than most! I'm so excited.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[year2late]

Mysty....I actually like DCA as well. I find it a fine compliment to DL.

DCA -Soarin and Electric Light Parade are the must-do's ---we arrange our entry into the parks to nab as many fastpasses for that ride as possible!


Chicago, you got a great rate!!!The hotel is special. The common areas such as the lobby are spectacular. You can't beat the location, either.

Have fun.

 

[ibouncetoo]

So glad you got into the Grand Californian! As I was reading the replies to your question, no one had talked about the Grand Calif. yet, so I was going to talk about it......not necessary now! You will absolutely love this hotel. Be sure and do a breakfast buffet one morning at Storytellers. We often make that a tradition on the morning we drive back to Phoenix. Though the crowds shouldn't be bad while you are there the best strategy is to start your day at DL as soon as it opens and pop over to DCA in the afternoons. ALSO, because you are at GC you can do Grizzley River in the heat of the day then just pop into your hotel room to change. We did this during a Feb visit......rode Grizzley twice in a row, got soaked, ran to the room and changed and were back in the park in 20 mins!

Have a great time!