What should we do?

[tigerfanrob]

We, being my wife, my 5 and 4 year old, and I, have vacationed at WDW for the past 2 summers. We had planned on going again next summer, first week of June, for 8 nights. However, I grew up on Disneyland, as my sister and I would visit grandparents in Newport Beach every summer. I really want my kids to get a taste of the original. I have not been since CA was opened, and have never stayed on site. I have a targeted itenerary if we were to ghose the original. We would head out last week of May, early June, for 8 nights. The first 4 nights would be a Friday-Monday nights. The next 4 would be Tuesday -Friday. We plan on staying with relatives in Irvine for one four night block and at one of the Disney hotels the next four. Now to the questons:

Which block of 4 days would be best to visit the parks? When would they be less busy for us, and how are the crowds there these days? The crowds at WDW were disgusting last time we were there.

Which hotel should we stay at? It is down to Paradise Pier or Grand Californian. Is Grand Californian REALLY worth whatever money extra it would cost for us to stay there? We plan on having 5 day park hoppers, so not sure how much of the hotel we would use, but we do plan on swimming alot.

I know that I will have a great time, but my wife is skeptical. Is there enough that my kids will have a great time?

Last one, we are looking to book a package with air included. By the quotes I have been getting, it seems as if airfare is cheaper with a package than it is ala carte. Anyone else find this to be true?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[tiggeroo42]

Since you're going at the end of May, you may want to check that your dates don't coincide with Memorial Day weekend because that would make the parks very crowded.

As long as the holiday weekend is not a factor, both of your choices are probably about equal. During that time of year, there are a lot of area schools that go to DL for field trips during the week; but on the other hand, a lot of schools are still in session, so fewer families. Also park hours are shorter with fewer parades/shows. Weekends are always more crowded, but you'll get the extended hours. If it were me, I would choose your second block, just so your kids will get to look forward to going to DL at the end of their vacation.

Check the park hours as your trip gets closer as DL sometimes closes early (usually 7 or 8 p.m.) for grad nights during that time of year.

We went to DL the first week of June last year, and it was great. Lines would get longish in the middle of the day, but most rides were 30 minutes or less standby. Using Fastpass helped a lot. The weather was wonderful, although it's usually often cloudy that time of year. It won't be like WDW in the summer. I've been there twice in the "off season" (is there really such a thing there? ), and it was comparable to DL early June.

The Grand Californian is beautiful--themed in the spirit of the WDW hotels (it reminds me a lot of Wilderness Lodge). It's also literally steps away from DL and has an entrance into DCA and Downtown Disney--very convenient! Paradise Pier is not quite as creative, but much easier on the budget. It's located a little further away, but still within walking distance. I don't know if I could justify paying for the GC if I weren't going to be spending much time there, although there are often some great last-minute rates on Expedia. I've never stayed onsite at DL as there are really no privileges like there are at WDW.

I don't understand why you're getting 5-day hoppers--aren't you only there for 4 days? With 5 days, you'll be able to do everything more than once or twice. If your family is already kind of skeptical, they may get Disney burn-out after 5 days in a row. You might consider 4-day hoppers with a break day in between to relax at Downtown Disney or your hotel. Your family will love DL, though. There is plenty to do, and it will be fun to compare attractions to WDW. The weather will also be a pleasant change--don't forget to take jackets!

Have a great trip!

 

[ter-moo]

Since you are taking a 4-year old, I would recommend the Disneyland Hotel over the Grand Californian. It's way more conducive to kids (not to mention cheaper!) and it's close to the monorail to get into the park. Personally, with a child that young, I'd consider one of the off-site hotels on Harbor Blvd. across the street (Park Place Inn gets pretty good reviews.) Granted they are not Disney properties, but the proximity to the parks can't be beat. It's nice to be able to run back to your room for naps or a break. The DLH and the PP are not as close. Grand Californian is right inside DCA, but that's a long trek if you're at Disneyland.

Secondly, I'd highly recommend avoiding the weekend dates (so go with the Mon-Thurs) as weekends are always a zoo there. One thing you may run into, however, at that time of year are grad nights. Kids from all over CA go to Disneyland for class trips. This will mainly affect the crowds at night. Make sure you get to the parks early in the morning right when they open if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.

 

[Elly]

Which block of 4 days would be best to visit the parks? When would they be less busy for us, and how are the crowds there these days? The crowds at WDW were disgusting last time we were there.

I agree that you must avoid Memorial Day weekend at all costs! I think the crowds would be lighter on the weekdays than the weekends. If possible, try to include nights when the park offers the night entertainment (fireworks and Fantasmic in DL, Electric Parade in DCA).

Which hotel should we stay at? It is down to Paradise Pier or Grand Californian. Is Grand Californian REALLY worth whatever money extra it would cost for us to stay there? We plan on having 5 day park hoppers, so not sure how much of the hotel we would use, but we do plan on swimming alot.

The Disney hotels definately have neat pools, but they are VERY expensive. In WDW there is a huge advantage to staying "on property", but at DL the offsite hotels are as close or even closer than the Disney properties. You can get a nice hotel off site for about $70. I have heard good things about the pool at the Howard Johnson's. Many of the off site hotels have rather spartan pools. For the most "Disney" experience with little ones, I find the Disneyland Hotel is most often recommended.

I know that I will have a great time, but my wife is skeptical. Is there enough that my kids will have a great time?

There is plenty!! We have had 5 day hoppers many times and never run out of things to do! Disneyland alone takes 2 to 3 days to do, California Adventure at least 1. That leaves one extra day for pool and repeats on favorites etc . I recommend getting the 5 day hoppers for greatest flexibility.

Last one, we are looking to book a package with air included. By the quotes I have been getting, it seems as if airfare is cheaper with a package than it is ala carte. Anyone else find this to be true?

I have never found the packages to be a good value for off site hotels unless that is the only way you can get a good airfare. The off site hotels are always overpriced in the packages. With the Disney hotels, you might get a good deal on Expedia or Travelocity. Otherwise you are a captive audience!

 

[missypie]

Please consider the Disneyland Hotel. The GCH looks like a very very nice resort hotel but the DLH looks and feels DISNEY! Plus, it has Goofy's Kitchen, which many people think is the best character meal.

Have you priced the DLR hotels yet? Both the DLH and the GCH are comparable to a "Deluxe" at WDW, but cost quite a bit less.

 

[tigerfanrob]

Thank you for all of the replies. Another question...do days on DL parkhoppers ever expire, or can you keep them for as long as needed like at WDW?

As far as hotels go, I have eliminated Paradise Pier. It is now either DLH or GCH. Cost is not an issue, the way I priced it, not too much difference anyways. I just want to know which is the best. My wife stayed at the DLH 10 years ago and said she was not all that impressed. Is the theme park view at GCH good?

Again, thanks for responses.

 

[missypie]

Several years ago the DLH remodeled its rooms, so they are decorated beautifully (and I'm pretty picky.) Again, if you want a very Disney/themed experience, go with the DLh; if you want a beautiful woodsy resort feel, go with the GCH.

 

[tiggeroo42]

Originally posted by tigerfanrob
Thank you for all of the replies. Another question...do days on DL parkhoppers ever expire, or can you keep them for as long as needed like at WDW?

DL parkhoppers expire 14 days after their first use, so you can't save them like WDW's.

As far as the DLH vs. GC, I would choose the GC. The DLH was built long before Disney got so creative with their lodging, so it's more comparable to a standard hotel, but it's still very nice. It's also closest to the monorail, but you could easily walk as well.

The GC is themed more in the spirit of the WDW deluxe hotels, and it's about as close as you can get to both the parks and Downtown Disney. Here's a picture of a theme park view from a GC room. DCA is beautiful all lit up at night, but I'm not sure I would pay extra for the view unless I were going to be in my room a lot.

Don't forget to check Expedia for discounted last-minute rates!