Advice for my first ever DL trip?

[primetime52]

I've lived in Florida all my life and have been to WDW more times than I can possibly count. However, I have a yearning to see Disneyland and pay tribute to Walt's original park.

I've decided to start planning for a short trip to DL for some time within the next six months. I'm putting some financial restrictions on myself though, so much advice is needed!

I'm a recent college graduate on a tight budget, so I basically want to take a 3 to 5 day trip to SoCal while spending as little as possible. I will be earning a steady income soon, but for the time being I have very little savings and will likely be paying mostly on credit (for air fare and hotel fare). Thus, I'd rather keep this trip as cheap as possible. My only real goal is to see Disneyland, I couldn't care less if I'm in luxury or not while I'm there. I will likely be traveling with only one companion.

Ok, on to my questions!

1) For you DL vets, can you tell me some reasonably priced hotels that are located very close to DL? Probably something in the 3 star range would be good. Nothing too luxurious but nothing too shabby either. I've been told that DL is basically surrounded by hotels of all price ranges.

2) How long do you think I should stay? 5 days would probably be my max due to work reasons. Keep in mind that I've never been to Cali before. I plan to devote probably 2 days to the parks and then anywhere between 1 to 3 additional days to see other cool stuff around SoCal. Also keep in mind that my primary goal is to see DL, so whatever else I do in the area would be 2nd priority.

3) What are some other cool things nearby that are a must see for someone who has never been to California before? I'm a big baseball fan so if I end up going before baseball season is over, I'll try to catch an Angels' game.

4) I think I know the answer to this already, but would it make things really tough on me if I don't rent a car? For the day(s) that I don't spend in the parks, is it possible to get to any other cool SoCal attractions using some form of public transportation? Since I've never been to Cali before I don't know how bad/good their public transportation is.

5) What are your favorite restaurants in and near the parks? Money isn't an issue for me when it comes to food since I like to eat well! Is the Blue Bayou as good as everyone says? I've always been a sucker for a good Monte Cristo.

6) Also, I almost forgot probably the most important question of all. What is the least crowded time to go to the DL parks between the months of July and December? My trip might fall within any of those months!

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advice for any help you guys can give me!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I'm on my way out the door but I can give you a few quick answers.

1) We have stayed at the Best Western right across the street. It was less then $100 a night, clean, and an incredible location. You can get a little nicer then BW for a little more money, and a little further walk.

2) You can see the parks in 2 days if it's not crowded. 3 days or even 2 1/2 would give you a nice liesurely pace. I'd definitely recommend 5 days if you want to see other places in SO Cal.

3) Angels games are good. Hollywood and TV show tapings are always fun. San Diego is beautiful.

4) You absolutely do not need a car on property but to leave it, you absolutely do.

5) Blue Bayou is good, Grand storyteller Cafe in the Grand Cal is good, I'll have to think on that one.

6) Go when CA schools are in session. The second week of September until the week before Thanksgiving are great. The week after thanksgiving until the second week of December are great. During both of those times avoid holidays like and weekends and you'll be great!!

 

[primetime52]

I'm on my way out the door but I can give you a few quick answers.

1) We have stayed at the Best Western right across the street. It was less then $100 a night, clean, and an incredible location. You can get a little nicer then BW for a little more money, and a little further walk.

2) You can see the parks in 2 days if it's not crowded. 3 days or even 2 1/2 would give you a nice liesurely pace. I'd definitely recommend 5 days if you want to see other places in SO Cal.

3) Angels games are good. Hollywood and TV show tapings are always fun. San Diego is beautiful.

4) You absolutely do not need a car on property but to leave it, you absolutely do.

5) Blue Bayou is good, Grand storyteller Cafe in the Grand Cal is good, I'll have to think on that one.

6) Go when CA schools are in session. The second week of September until the week before Thanksgiving are great. The week after thanksgiving until the second week of December are great. During both of those times avoid holidays like and weekends and you'll be great!!

Thanks for the advice! I had a feeling that a car would be necessary, so I will definitely rent one. Since I've never even been to Cali before I'll defintely want to at least see a few things off Disney property.

I always hear people say to avoid DL on weekends (and I will certainly do that.) Does DL get way more crowded on weekends than WDW does? It sounds like it does based on what people say.

 

[Nicole220]

I've lived in Florida all my life and have been to WDW more times than I can possibly count. However, I have a yearning to see Disneyland and pay tribute to Walt's original park.

I've decided to start planning for a short trip to DL for some time within the next six months. I'm putting some financial restrictions on myself though, so much advice is needed!

I'm a recent college graduate on a tight budget, so I basically want to take a 3 to 5 day trip to SoCal while spending as little as possible. I will be earning a steady income soon, but for the time being I have very little savings and will likely be paying mostly on credit (for air fare and hotel fare). Thus, I'd rather keep this trip as cheap as possible. My only real goal is to see Disneyland, I couldn't care less if I'm in luxury or not while I'm there. I will likely be traveling with only one companion.

Ok, on to my questions!

1) For you DL vets, can you tell me some reasonably priced hotels that are located very close to DL? Probably something in the 3 star range would be good. Nothing too luxurious but nothing too shabby either. I've been told that DL is basically surrounded by hotels of all price ranges.

2) How long do you think I should stay? 5 days would probably be my max due to work reasons. Keep in mind that I've never been to Cali before. I plan to devote probably 2 days to the parks and then anywhere between 1 to 3 additional days to see other cool stuff around SoCal. Also keep in mind that my primary goal is to see DL, so whatever else I do in the area would be 2nd priority.

3) What are some other cool things nearby that are a must see for someone who has never been to California before? I'm a big baseball fan so if I end up going before baseball season is over, I'll try to catch an Angels' game.

4) I think I know the answer to this already, but would it make things really tough on me if I don't rent a car? For the day(s) that I don't spend in the parks, is it possible to get to any other cool SoCal attractions using some form of public transportation? Since I've never been to Cali before I don't know how bad/good their public transportation is.

5) What are your favorite restaurants in and near the parks? Money isn't an issue for me when it comes to food since I like to eat well! Is the Blue Bayou as good as everyone says? I've always been a sucker for a good Monte Cristo.

6) Also, I almost forgot probably the most important question of all. What is the least crowded time to go to the DL parks between the months of July and December? My trip might fall within any of those months!

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advice for any help you guys can give me!

2. 3 days is a good amount if you're just there for the DLR. But like Disneyfalcon said, if you want to see more of SoCal, 5 days is great.
3. Angels games are great!! They have a great staduim (and a great home record). If it's a friday night, be sure to stay for the big bang fireworks. You can also see the DL fireworks from the stadium. Check out the other thread about things near the DLR resort for more ideas.
5. Napa Rose is the best restaruant on property! You won't be disappointed!
6. Avoid holidays and weekends like the plague! They can get very crowded. July/August is crowded and hot. So any weekday from Sept-Dec. is the best time to go. I usually go friday nights during that time and most of the rides have little or no wait!

Have a great trip! Disneyland is amazing! :wave:

 

[primetime52]

2. 3 days is a good amount if you're just there for the DLR. But like Disneyfalcon said, if you want to see more of SoCal, 5 days is great.
3. Angels games are great!! They have a great staduim (and a great home record). If it's a friday night, be sure to stay for the big bang fireworks. You can also see the DL fireworks from the stadium. Check out the other thread about things near the DLR resort for more ideas.
5. Napa Rose is the best restaruant on property! You won't be disappointed!
6. Avoid holidays and weekends like the plague! They can get very crowded. July/August is crowded and hot. So any weekday from Sept-Dec. is the best time to go. I usually go friday nights during that time and most of the rides have little or no wait!

Have a great trip! Disneyland is amazing! :wave:

Thanks for the help, Nicole. I think I'm gonna target either September or November, since I'm going back to WDW in October anyway for the food and wine festival in Epcot.

I'll probably end up spending Thurs and Fri in the parks (and maybe Monday if I feel like 2 days is not enough) and Saturday and Sunday doing other stuff.

 

[Kman101]

I'm planning a trip for September (possibly) of 2008 (next year) ... so this is a great thread.

I was looking at bookings through disneyland.com ... decent rates, I suppose, and I'd love to stay on property (and easily book things through them) but I'd likely save a ton of money staying off-site ... I'd assume there are quite a few hotels nearby ... can you walk to the parks from a nearby hotel, would it be terribly hard, are there busses, etc?

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I'm planning a trip for September (possibly) of 2008 (next year) ... so this is a great thread.

I was looking at bookings through disneyland.com ... decent rates, I suppose, and I'd love to stay on property (and easily book things through them) but I'd likely save a ton of money staying off-site ... I'd assume there are quite a few hotels nearby ... can you walk to the parks from a nearby hotel, would it be terribly hard, are there busses, etc?

Although I love the Disney hotels, some of the offsite hotels are actually closer! With the exception of the Grand CA, many hotels right off harbor are closer then the DL Hotel and Paradise Pier. Now to get to DL Hotel and PP you walk through Downtown Disney which is much more scenic then walking through the bus stops to get to the close hotels.

There's a Best Western directly across the street. You can't get much closer. Just a plain hotel, but clean and good rates.

Candy Cane Inn is very popular. It's very clean, cute rooms, and good rates. It's a little farther away but there's shuttles.

There's some big names like Embassy Suites in the area and they all run shuttles.

Check out this map to see all your choices:
http://www.ineedavacation.com/disneyland/AnaheimHotelMap.html

 

[primetime52]

I'm planning a trip for September (possibly) of 2008 (next year) ... so this is a great thread.

I was looking at bookings through disneyland.com ... decent rates, I suppose, and I'd love to stay on property (and easily book things through them) but I'd likely save a ton of money staying off-site ... I'd assume there are quite a few hotels nearby ... can you walk to the parks from a nearby hotel, would it be terribly hard, are there busses, etc?

I'm obviously not an expert on DL since I'm the original poster of this thread, but I thought I'd get the ball rolling by sharing with you some of the answers that I've gotten through the research that I've done.

I'm sure that the on property hotels are very nice and probably well themed, but I've been told by alot of people that staying on property isn't very crucial in DL (as compared to WDW where it makes a huge difference). Any of you DL vets can correct me if that statement is wrong! Based on my research of the area, there are several hotels within walking distance of the parks (or at least they claim to be within walking distance).

Also, I should tell you that even though I haven't booked anything yet, I've found alot of great deals for trip packages on expedia.com. I'm assuming you will need air fare as well as a hotel since you are from FL. On expedia you can book a flight, hotel, and rental car all at the same time for dirt cheap prices (especially if you don't mind taking a red eye, which I probably won't end up doing). The only difference between your trip and my potential trip is that yours is still over a year away, so perhaps there won't be many great values on expedia this many months in advance. I think alot of hotels post rooms on expedia when they are having trouble booking said rooms within a few months of certain times of year.

Good luck! If you end up booking your trip before mine I'd love to hear what hotel you decide on.

 

[Nicole220]

I'm obviously not an expert on DL since I'm the original poster of this thread, but I thought I'd get the ball rolling by sharing with you some of the answers that I've gotten through the research that I've done.

I'm sure that the on property hotels are very nice and probably well themed, but I've been told by alot of people that staying on property isn't very crucial in DL (as compared to WDW where it makes a huge difference). Any of you DL vets can correct me if that statement is wrong! Based on my research of the area, there are several hotels within walking distance of the parks (or at least they claim to be within walking distance).

Also, I should tell you that even though I haven't booked anything yet, I've found alot of great deals for trip packages on expedia.com. I'm assuming you will need air fare as well as a hotel since you are from FL. On expedia you can book a flight, hotel, and rental car all at the same time for dirt cheap prices (especially if you don't mind taking a red eye, which I probably won't end up doing). The only difference between your trip and my potential trip is that yours is still over a year away, so perhaps there won't be many great values on expedia this many months in advance. I think alot of hotels post rooms on expedia when they are having trouble booking said rooms within a few months of certain times of year.

Good luck! If you end up booking your trip before mine I'd love to hear what hotel you decide on.

You're correct. The only hotel that is up to WDW's standards is the Grand Californian. The other two are nothing special. My advice would be to book at a nice little hotel across the street and save the money. Like Disneyfalcon said, the DL and PP hotels are actually farther away than the ones across the street. It can be a pain walking through DTD after a long day in the parks.

 

[mouselvrmom]

You're correct. The only hotel that is up to WDW's standards is the Grand Californian. The other two are nothing special. My advice would be to book at a nice little hotel across the street and save the money. Like Disneyfalcon said, the DL and PP hotels are actually farther away than the ones across the street. It can be a pain walking through DTD after a long day in the parks.

We are staying at the Disneyland hotel. I didn't realize that it was across the street when we decided on that one. It says that there is monorail access in DTD. Would that make it less walking or is it just better to walk. I figured that my kids would like to ride the monorail.

 

[Nicole220]

We are staying at the Disneyland hotel. I didn't realize that it was across the street when we decided on that one. It says that there is monorail access in DTD. Would that make it less walking or is it just better to walk. I figured that my kids would like to ride the monorail.

The DL Hotel isn't across the street, it's all the way down DTD.

I would suggest the monorail. You don't have to worry about security check, main entrance, less walking, and it brings you right into the park. I'll be nice because it drops you off right at the Subs entrance, so you'll be right there to get in line!

 

[T0TFan]

The DL Hotel isn't across the street, it's all the way down DTD.

I would suggest the monorail. You don't have to worry about security check, main entrance, less walking, and it brings you right into the park. I'll be nice because it drops you off right at the Subs entrance, so you'll be right there to get in line!

Actually it is across the street, it just happens to go under you as you cross it.

If you can make it out during the Christmas season, you can catch both holiday versions of HM and IASW. Plus Believe in Holiday Magic!:xmas:

 

[coasterphil]

I just got back from Disneyland and have a suggestion for a cheap, but clean hotel. Look into the Howard Johnson on Harbour Blvd and ask for their entertainment card rate. Its $54 a night, everything is nice, and the walk isn't much farther than those directly across from the entrance.

You could easily do DL in 2 days during the slow season as long as you hustle a bit. 3 days would probably be a little too much.

I'd recommend a visit to Knott's Berry Farm if possible. Its really a nice park and its has some very thrilling rides. You can also get a ticket for $30 if you look for area deals.

There is an Alamo rental car on property, so you may want to just get a car for those days you need it instead of the whole trip as your rates are probably going to be pretty high if your under 25.

 

[NadieMasK2]

Last June we stayed at the Candy Cane Inn, I highly recommend it. I researched hotels forever and this one got consistent good reviews. You can easily walk to the park without needing to cross Harbor Blvd., but if you are not in the mood, they have a dedicated bus that runs between the hotel and DLR all day long. This works GREAT as there are no other bus stops involved unlike most other off-property hotels. We walked in the morning, but after being at the park all day we really appreciated that bus back at night! :wave:

 

[primetime52]

I just got back from Disneyland and have a suggestion for a cheap, but clean hotel. Look into the Howard Johnson on Harbour Blvd and ask for their entertainment card rate. Its $54 a night, everything is nice, and the walk isn't much farther than those directly across from the entrance.

You could easily do DL in 2 days during the slow season as long as you hustle a bit. 3 days would probably be a little too much.

I'd recommend a visit to Knott's Berry Farm if possible. Its really a nice park and its has some very thrilling rides. You can also get a ticket for $30 if you look for area deals.

There is an Alamo rental car on property, so you may want to just get a car for those days you need it instead of the whole trip as your rates are probably going to be pretty high if your under 25.

All great advice! Thank you very much. I certainly can't argue with $54 a night, so I will keep Howard Johnson in mind.

 

[lilclerk]

I just got back last Thursday. I stayed at the Anabella Hotel, which on tripadvisor.com has some pretty bad reviews, but they're from a while ago and they've been doing a lot of renovations. I stayed in a deluxe king room and it was wonderful, if slightly small. It was a bit bigger than a value room at WDW. Really nice and clean, and a short walk to the parks through the Grand Californian. I could see California Adventure from my room. You can get a pretty decent rate with AAA. But right next door is the Best Western and I rode the bus with some people staying there and they LOVED it. Also, the Anaheim Resort Transit is really nice after a long day in the park, even though it's a short walk.

I did both Disney parks in 2.5 days, and I didn't rush myself at all. I actually have a bad knee and didn't want to push myself (I limped around WDW in February) so I would sit down after every ride I went on. I still did everything I wanted to. I'd get there before opening and stand in the huge line, go get coffee, and get trapped in the bakery on Main St. Then as soon as the park opened, I did as many rides as I could. The lines didn't get very long til after lunch, and even then the longest waits were for Space and Splash (between 60-75 minutes) and everything else was between 0 minutes (small world) and 30 minutes (PP Flight.) Then I'd leave far before park closing because I'm from the East Coast and boy was I exhausted by 8pm Cali time. :snore:
I'm still bummed I missed the fireworks though. If only I'd stayed one more day!