Where to Stay?

[dreamscometrue]

Looking for advice on where to stay for a Disneyland trip?
How many days would be needed to cover the parks?
I am a frequent visitor to the "World" looking visit the "Land" for the first time on a trip to the west coast.
TIA for any input you can share!

 

[BadPinkTink]

First read these 2 threads

https://www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-dlr-area-hotel-for-you.3656512/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/
then we can help you with further information and advice

 

[DisneyBelle_x]

4 days is the minimum I'd ever go but do prefer 5, makes sure I have plenty of time to do everything I want without speeding around

 

[Chickinvic]

It depends on you. I've had 8 day Park hoppers and loved it, and also gone for 3 days in the parks. We always go for at least a week though since we do other stuff too. There Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, San Diego Zoo, etc, if those are of interest.

 

[Chickinvic]

As for where to stay, I never stay on site there. I always stay at one of the hotels that are walking distance to the parks. I really don't care much about the ambiance" at my hotel since I'm there to do the parks. As long as it is clean and inexpensive I'm good. I prefer to use my money for other stuff. We'be stayed at Del Sol which is very close and inexpensive (and was fine). We'very stayed at Howard Johnson's which is a bit further but still walkable. It seems to be overpriced to me now though. Haven't stayed there in years. We have stayed at Ramada Inn Maingate. I can't even remember all of them. All were fine.

 

[dieumeye]

Looking for advice on where to stay for a Disneyland trip?
How many days would be needed to cover the parks?
I am a frequent visitor to the "World" looking visit the "Land" for the first time on a trip to the west coast.
TIA for any input you can share!

Well, one approach is to say that you should stay at the Grand Californian and get 5 day park hoppers w/ MaxPass. Add a F! Blue Bayou dining package and a WoC dessert party as well. All this, of course, is very expensive. So decide what is, and is not, important for you and scale back from there as necessary.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Threads with good information for you (some of which have already been mentioned in the above posts):
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- from the sticky threads at the top of the first page -- TONS of great information here!
From that sticky:
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so many helpful threads here!
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- absolute must reading for you!
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- very helpful info here -- ask any questions! At DLR, it's not about on site or off site -- it's all about location, location, location! What you invest in location/hotel, you will save in sanity, peace of mind, physical wear and tear, major convenience, commute/parking time and money, etc.
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- most WDW vets love MP once they use it -- read up on it here and ask all your questions in this thread!
"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by @3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297 -- very helpful info here -- closest airports to DLR are SNA (John Wayne) and LGB (Long Beach).

Happy trip planning!