Where do I start

[beckymomof2]

This whole Disney thing is a little overwhelming. I think we want to go to Disney Land because it is less flying time from Alaska than it is to Disney World. I went to Disney Land about every year as a kid but I'm finding I know so little.

Where do I start? My parents always took me to a hotel down the street that was not Disney affliated. I don't know if that's the way to go or if walking distance is to far.

If someone can point me in the right direction, also is there a book out there that is not put out by Disney that I could buy? That way I can get other non-Disney hotel options as well as Disney.

 

[farmfresh]

The stickies at the top of the page here will give you all the starting info you need - there are plenty of good hotel choices around the main gate. Start with this one.

Sticky: * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

 

[Eeee-va]

Welcome!

People here will (and already have!) post some links to useful threads, I'm sure. Here are a couple posts recently posted regarding distance to the parks. Many people here, including myself, prefer a hotel within walking distance, but that does not have to be a Disney hotel. (The closest off-site/non-Disney hotels are as close or closer than the farthest on-site/Disney hotels!)

http://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

PLEASE check out the newbie thread that is 'stickied'. I would say if you want a hotel that is in within walking distance..check out either Desert Inn and Suites (exactly across the street) or HoJo (amazing pool...little further walk..i'd do it!). I've also stayed at Desert Palms. Amazing breakfast at Desert Palms.

I would not, however, stay further down to where I'd have to take a shuttle, ever again!! There are pictures of how the hotels lay out on google!

 

[RedRosie]

Welcome! I am a newbie, too but totally addicted to reading DISboards so I feel like I am getting to be an expert. Ha! We went to DL (there are soooo many abbreviations used here.. there is a link to the definitions, probably in the newbie thread) in Nov 2010, so I have some experience fresh in my head. Everyone here is incredibly helpful, so ask away!

I agree that Desert Inn and Suites is very close and easy walk. That is where we stayed in November and are going again in Sept this year. My friend (who introduced me to DISBoards) always stays at Best Western Park Place Inn, which is also very close. We purchase our tickets separate from hotel, no "packages".

For all the details of what to do, where to eat, FastPasses, etc., there are lots of tips in the threads that others have mentioned. Plus you can just read other people's questions or ask your own as you go.

 

[GrandBob]

Welcome. You're getting good advice. The link to the sticky for newbies is here:

DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

If you drill down into Hydroguy's tips - and I really recommend that you do, his tips are gold - you'll eventually find Hydroguy's Hotel rule. In it he lists all the reasons that you really want to stay in a hotel/motel within walking distance.

Hydroguy's Hotel Rule

For those reasons, I recommend that you stay in a hotel/motel that's in the green areas in this map:

Accomodations Near Disney

Have fun! And chill out - Disneyland requires a lot less planning than Disneyworld. Once you have your plane and hotel, you don't need to worry too much about the rest.

-Bob