Which first--DL or San Diego?

[wdhinn89]

We plan on going to California end of July/beginning of Aug 2009. We want to spend 5 days at DL and 3 days in San Diego. Which part of the trip do you think would be better to do first, DL or San Diego? I was thinking DL first since we are from the East coast and MM will be easier on our bodies because of the 3 hour time difference but I would love some expert opinions since this is my families first time to California. TIA

 

[disney-inspired]

San Diego, that way you end your trip on a DL high

 

[CrazyDuck]

Sand Diego first always!!! San Diego is like the opening act at a concert. Yea it's fun to watch but it's not really what you are there to see! We are doing 4 days in San Diego first, then 6 days in Disneyland next month.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I agree with everyone else! Save the best for last!

 

[iloveftwilderness]

I am going against the grain on this. Yes DL would be great to finish with, however, I usually feel like I need another vacation after a week at Disney. I would go to DL first and then finish up in beautiful San Diego!

 

[c&m]

Like the last poster, I think you should do DL first. DL is such a frenzied pace and crowded place that some would need a bit of downtime after that. SD is a place we always look forward to after the Disney excitement.

 

[wdhinn89]

WOW, thanks for all the quick relies
We are planning on visiting Seaworld, San Diego Zoo and other sites while in SD, so we are probably going to need a vacation from our vacation

Sand Diego first always!!! San Diego is like the opening act at a concert. Yea it's fun to watch but it's not really what you are there to see! We are doing 4 days in San Diego first, then 6 days in Disneyland next month.

Where are you going to stay while in San Diego? There are soooo many places.

 

[medievaldave]

DL first. thats what we do. all the walking around deserves a nice few days laying on the beach

 

[Hound 109]

We plan on going to California end of July/beginning of Aug 2009. We want to spend 5 days at DL and 3 days in San Diego. Which part of the trip do you think would be better to do first, DL or San Diego? I was thinking DL first since we are from the East coast and MM will be easier on our bodies because of the 3 hour time difference but I would love some expert opinions since this is my families first time to California. TIA

I would ordinarily say save the best for last (SD first, DLR last). But I think you are thinking logically on the early mornings (especially in late July when Gen. Adm. is 8am).

Plan your first 2-3 days around MM & take advantage of the time difference. A 7am MM means getting in line at 6:25-6:35. Terribly early normally but a piece of cake for Central or Eastern Time Zoners.

& if you haven't done so, check out HydroGuy's sticky tip threads...especially his "DLR for WDW Vets thread"....also in the sticky is DLR 29's "MM Superthread".

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[edit1]

We have always done our Disney trip first, then our San Diego trip. We like to take it down a notch after the lineups and crowds in DL. We love both DL and San Diego, though!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Both places are great to stay, but if you are coming out here for a "big" vacation, then I say to go to DLR first, when you have the most energy to devote to enjoying the parks. Then go to SD, relax a bit, and enjoy the parks down there. I think you will greatly mitigate the crankiness factor, while enhancing the funness factor.

 

[wdhinn89]

Thanks for all the replies!

Hotel suggestions in SD would be greatly appreciated too.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I like the Embassy Suites-Downtown. It's walking distance to Seaport Village, Gas Lamp District, etc.

I also like the Catamaran in Mission Bay. If you are looking for something more economical, then I recommend taking a look at some of your choices in Hotel Circle like Days Inn, Comfort Inn, or 7-Seas Lodge.

Good luck.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

days inn i think is where we were gona stay. i had resvations some time last year with my mom and dad things came up and it was super easy to cancle and even got the money back that had to pay before hand.
Have fun id do dl first and then san diego

 

[abby]

Thanks for all the replies!

Hotel suggestions in SD would be greatly appreciated too.

We love paradise point resort and spa, can be a little spendy but it is great.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Where are you going to stay while in San Diego? There are soooo many places.

We are staying at Comfort Inn Hotel Circle. $90/night for a "kids suite". It comes with free breakfast. Also it is only 5 min to sea world and the zoo!

 

[heatherleigh]

I stayed at Tower 23 in SD in 2006. It was relaxing and clean. The only thing I didn't care for was that the bathroom door (sliding) did not completely close. It wasn't a maintenance problem, but was designed that way. Kind of weird. Pacific beach was right outside the hotel, and the food there was great.

 

[arliepooh68]

keep in mind when you go to the zoo that schools are in session once again and they all take turns going to the zoo here in san diego. . . well all over balboa park.. . I always try to forwarn, that way when you see oodles of kids you are not shocked! OH and do not go on Oct 1st ( I believe that is the day). . . the zoo is open for free admission on their founder's day. . . and all of oct (at least it has been in the past) has been free for kids. . .

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I agree with the others - DL or (WDW) needs a vacation after the vacation. We always do WDW first, then head to South Florida to be beach bums....we will do the same in SoCal next summer.

 

[KCmike]

If you fly in to LAX then do San Diego first.
If you fly into San Diego and then to Disneyland first. Always be closest to your airport at the end of the trip.

If you aren't flying then I would agree and say to Disneyland first and relax in beautiful San Diego at the end of the trip.

You have a wonderful problem on your hands don't you!!!! LOL!

Have a great vacation.