what do I need to know for 1st trip to Disneyland

[carrie1626]

Hi, everyone,

I've decided after my week in WDW over Thanksgiving this year, the next time I do Disney, it's going to be in California. I'd love to go late summer 2007.

I've stayed at Deluxe,Moderate and Value resorts in WDW and I like to visit all the parks and DD and usually a water park. I'm thinking that I would probably do a 5 night stay( the first and last day would be for traveling only).
I would definetly bring my son and daughter who are going on 14/17 respectively, possibly my sister and parents.
? ?:
Do I stay onsite
How about the Hilton Anaheim
Is 4 days enough time for 2 parks and DD
How do I get from airport to hotel
Do I really need to rent a car
Is there a better time over the summer to come( possibly early June)

ALL opinions appreciated

 

[ransom]

Here's a guide for WDW vets, put together by HydroGuy, that you might find useful for some of your questions:

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

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi, everyone,

I've decided after my week in WDW over Thanksgiving this year, the next time I do Disney, it's going to be in California. I'd love to go late summer 2007.

I've stayed at Deluxe,Moderate and Value resorts in WDW and I like to visit all the parks and DD and usually a water park. I'm thinking that I would probably do a 5 night stay( the first and last day would be for traveling only).
I would definetly bring my son and daughter who are going on 14/17 respectively, possibly my sister and parents.

Carrie, I have compiled tons of advice here that will help you: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Do I stay onsite
How about the Hilton Anaheim

Benefits of staying onsite at DLR are not nearly as much as WDW. So it depends on a number of things. Whatever hotel you choose I recommend staying within walking distance. WDW vets never seem to mind buses and shuttles because they are accustomed to it, but it is totally unnecessary at DLR and gives up one of DLR's biggest advantages over WDW - hotels within easy walking distance. See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862. IMO the Hilton Anaheim is too far.

Is 4 days enough time for 2 parks and DD

Yes, four days is just right IMO.

How do I get from airport to hotel

Sorry, can't help you there.

Do I really need to rent a car

No, a car will not help you at DLR. If you want to visit other places in SoCal, get a car for that. But do not use it for DLR.

Is there a better time over the summer to come( possibly early June)

Better means different things to different people. It is not as crowded in early June as later in the summer, but then the park hours are shorter. And the weather is not as hot in early June. Although last summer had some real heat waves, usually summer weather in Anaheim is tolerable with many days reaching only 90 degrees.

If you care about rides, DLR is planning to re-open a ride after 8 years down - the submarine ride now themed as Nemo - and word is they will open it late June/early July. So you will likely miss that in early June.

When you choose your four days (in June or otherwise), avoid weekends and you will be much better off.

 

[rlduvall]

HydroGuy:

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I was going to ask alot of the same questions as the OP. I am an experienced WDW veteran and I have been to DLR many times, but lack the general knowledge that is so prevalent for WDW.

Thanks for the GREAT information. You put alot of work into it and is greatly appreciated.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We got a package through our Disney VISA and we stayed at Paradise Pier. It was very nice and we had a great view of California Adventure. It included SuperShuttle transportation to and from the airport (12 passenger van). There is also a bus transportation that you can get - It might be about $10 per trip? Not really sure.

Four days is about right. What's so amazing about DL is that you can walk everywhere. You leave DL Park and you're headed right into Cal Adv. Fantasyland is wonderful. Don't miss Fantasmic - it's much better at DL - but harder to find a good place. No theater like WDW, so people start camping out for seat two or three hours ahead of time. POTC is wonderful, much longer ride with better theming.

Early June the park hours are a bit shorter and the days tend to be cooler and gloomy (they call it June Gloom along the coast).

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

We did Super Shuttle on our last DLR trip and it worked out great, it's a short ride and inexpensive. I agree, unless you plan to tour SoCal while there, spend your money elsewhere rather than on a rental car.

I also think that four days sounds perfect...we've done both parks in two full days and it was nice, but it would have been nice to at least one extra day.

 

[HydroGuy]

When you choose your four days (in June or otherwise), avoid weekends and you will be much better off.

I should amend this. If you go early June, shows may still be concentrated on weekends. If so, you will need to hit a weekend to see shows. As you get into later June, shows are every day so weekends offer no advantages and lots of disadvantages.

 

[carrie1626]

Thank you everyone!!

 

[SoCalKDG]

This past year June was extra crowded with the opening of the Pirates ride and this may happen again if Nemo is opened this same month(I think it won't be until after the July 4th weekend).

With about 700,000 passholders AP holders have a huge influence over the crowds. There are four levels of APs with many different blockout dates. I found that July and Aug. were less crowded then June, and do not go the last two weeks in June as its the last two weeks that SoCal Passholders can go until after the summer. This will lead to some huge crowds, even midweek.

 

[Trebor]

I went last summer during the middle of the week, August 14-17 and was surprised about how non-busy the parks seemed (compared to what I was expecting).

Personally, I think four days is too much, but I don't ride Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Splash Mountain, which could eat up a fair amount of a one day by itself. On the other hand, I do end up waiting in long lines at Dumbo and Peter Pan (which don't have fast pass), so maybe it's a push.

If you're into zoos at all, I'd highly recommend taking one day and going down to either the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park -- it's about a 90 minute drive from DL.

I love staying on property (and I love the stores delivering my purchases, so I don't have to lug them around) but for about half the price, you can stay in a decent value motel about the same walking distance to the parks. And nothing stops you from still going over to one of the resort hotels for a character breakfast (which I usually do on getaway day).

 

[Albort]

Well, since every seem to have answered your question... all i can really advise is...




HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[SamIAm21]

Hi, everyone,

I've decided after my week in WDW over Thanksgiving this year, the next time I do Disney, it's going to be in California. I'd love to go late summer 2007.

I've stayed at Deluxe,Moderate and Value resorts in WDW and I like to visit all the parks and DD and usually a water park. I'm thinking that I would probably do a 5 night stay( the first and last day would be for traveling only).
I would definetly bring my son and daughter who are going on 14/17 respectively, possibly my sister and parents.
? ?:
Do I stay onsite
How about the Hilton Anaheim
Is 4 days enough time for 2 parks and DD
How do I get from airport to hotel
Do I really need to rent a car
Is there a better time over the summer to come( possibly early June)

ALL opinions appreciated

(1) The Hilton Anaheim is a fine choice, it's near the convention center -- maybe 1/2 to 1 mile south of DL.

(2) Four days is plenty of time!

(3) If you can swing it, rent a limo to/from airport. I think most people on this forum recommend Tony the Limo King. The shuttles are a good price, but you might end up making three or more stops before you actually get to DL. I thought it was a complete drag! I used SuperShuttle!

You do not need to rent a car. To get from the hotel to the parks, just use ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation). ART rocks and is very convenient and cheap!

Early June is great in terms of crowds, but you may run into a bit of June Gloom. The days start out raining/misty and a bit chilly, but then usually it burns off and turns into a wonderful day!

Hey, check out my ticker... I'll be in WDW right after Thanksgiving. So, have a great time!!!

 

[Lucky82061]

Wow that is an awesome guide, thanks so much for writing it. I too am a WDW veteran but have only been to DL once (and I barely remember it). I will be going sept 2 - 7 and staying at the Grand Californian... I'm pretty excited as it seems like a very nice hotel. I am also planning on touring LA after the stay in DLR... probably at a different hotel. Is it a long drive between Anaheim and LA? would it be feasible to extend my stay at the GC for several more days and just drive back and forth or should I go with my original plan and get a hotel in downtown LA for a few days after my stay in DLR? Thanks

 

[HydroGuy]

I am also planning on touring LA after the stay in DLR... probably at a different hotel. Is it a long drive between Anaheim and LA? would it be feasible to extend my stay at the GC for several more days and just drive back and forth or should I go with my original plan and get a hotel in downtown LA for a few days after my stay in DLR? Thanks

Distance-wise it is 30-50 miles to LA, but traffic wise it could be 2 hours (or more) each way. I just hate sitting in traffic myself. Not sure what you are planning in LA, but if you are planning 2 or more days in a row I would get a hotel in LA and not try to drive it.

 

[Lucky82061]

Was probably going to spend another 4-5 days just doing the tourist thing in LA/Hollywood and things like that... sounds like I will be better off getting a hotel in LA for that. Thanks a bunch for the help!

 

[DisneyDotty]

We visited DL last December--we were there 5 nights/almost 6 days--I could've stayed longer! We immediately fell in love with DL's charm, history, magic...Four days will be fine--it'll leave you wanting more, which is always a good way to leave Disney.
We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and loved it for its CMs--friendly and efficient service; its proximity to the parks and DTD--it's a quick walk from the hotel through DTD to either park. Definitely eat at Goofy's Kitchen--great character interaction. Take your time and soak up Walt's original park. Ride everything--especially the attractions that are at WDW also--great fun to compare the two.
Fly into John Wayne airport--a quick (15 minutes, maybe) ride on SuperShuttle to DL.
Okay, this response is making me want to go back there. NOW.
Have a magical trip!