When to go in 2005?

[cindy21494]

We have never been to DL (or California for that matter) and was wondering when the best time of year is to go. We are hoping to go in 2005 for their 50th anniversary. When will they start the celebration?

Also, which Disney hotel would you pick. We have two DD's they will be around 11 and 5 when we go?

Thanks

 

[Michelle2]

I love Disneyland, you are in for a treat!! I have been to 3 Disneys, WDW, DLP, and Disneyland, and it (DL) is my favorite! When it comes to my advice, here are some things that you should keep in mind when planning your trip, and especially where to stay.
Disneyland has 3 hotels, and I have stayed at all three before.

Paradise Pier which used to be called the Pacific Hotel, is the cheapest of the three. To me, it is smaller, a little more out of the way, and has a more 'contemporary' feel to it. It has a few restaurants, but the only one offering a character meal (only breakfast last time I was there) is the PCH Grill. I recommend it for breakfast with Minnie. It is not very convenient to the monorail, but the trams run from it

The Disneyland hotel is the original and oldest Disney hotel. It is wonderful and it always seems to book up in advance, so make reservations as soon as you know you will stay there! It has a more whimsical feel to it, and is quite large. It has several tower units and the rooms are nice. It seems like all of the best character meals, restaurants, and things to do are at the Disneyland Hotel. We were always going there even though we weren't staying there. The monorail access is the best from this hotel, but it is also the farthest from Disneyland. Great place to stay with kids though!! I recommend it with young children.
The third is the Grand Californian, and boy does it live up to its name! It is a wonderful hotel! It is also great for adults with discriminating tastes. Good restaurants, not as much as a whimsical feel (it is like a hunting lodge...kinda reminds me of WL in WDW) We chose the Storybook Breakfast with chip and dale, but I will not go again, because not as many characters there. I would much rather choose Minnie's at PP or Goofy's Kitchen at DLH. You cannot beat this hotel in convenience, however. If you want to be the closest to the action, this is the place! You walk out one door and you are in California Adventures (the resort is halfway in the park itself) and you walk out another door, and you are in Downtown Disney..just steps away from the main Disneyland entrance. (great for families with young children that need naps or breaks during the day!!!) Also wonderful being close to all the shops and restaurants in DTD.
When it comes to choosing the best time to go, that depends on what is most important to you. Weather, crowds, kids' school vacations, etc... The summers and holidays there are crowded like any Disney park, and it seems like the fall is getting more and more crowded every year. We usually went every year in October/November. The weather is not as humid or rainy as it is in Florida, so you will not have to contend with that as much. But, just know in advance since it will be the 50th anniversary, it will probably be a little more crowded at any time of 2005 due to the celebrations...If you have any other questions, I will be happy to answer them for you! Maybe I will see you there!

 

[cindy21494]

Michelle2

Thank you! I think you answered alot of the questions I was not sure about. I am thinking some time in the fall in 2005. How is the weather Sept/Oct.? We are hoping to stay for a week and visit other attractions such as San Deigo Zoo and Sea World. Have you visited any other parks? Also, do you know if there are any nice beaches close by?

I'm still torn about which hotel. The Grand Californian sounds beautiful and I like the idea of the entrance to the park right in the hotel, but I think the Disneyland Hotel might appeal more to my DD's. Would it be hard to split our stay between the two? That way we can try both!

Just hearing you talk about it I get excited! We were going to go in 2004 but decided to wait for the 50th anniversary. What are some of the don't miss attractions you would suggest? While one DD will be 5 and still too small for some of the more exciting rides, my other DD will be 11 and has been going on every thrill that she can.

One last question (for now ) how far in advance do you think I should book the hotel? I usually book about a year in advance for WDW, do I need to do it that far ahead for DL (especially for the 50th anniversary)?

Thanks again!!

 

[JenniferW]

I think GC wins hands down, but you wouldn't be disappointed with DL either.

It is quite a ways from San Diego, think 2 hour drive, but traffic can drastically change that.

As for beaches, I like Laguna Nigel and Newport Beach, search for other threads since I've seen them around.

DL and DCA are much smaller and more compact than WDW so it is different. It doens't take long to get into and out of the park.

Fall after the kids go back to school the weather is pleasant and lines are reasonable. Not sure about the 50 year celebration plans since I haven't followed that.

I would book ahead just to make sure it's lined up, but I would book it so you can cancel or rebook it when the rates drop since they often do for that time of the year. Not sure if the 50 year plans will affect it.

Jenn

 

[cindy21494]

Thanks! This gives me more information to help plan our trip.