This. I think you have to really be careful about online reviews, particularly for motels, as people will look for almost any reason to disparage them because they didn't turn out to be the Four Seasons (housekeeping issues tend to top the complaints, but almost always seem to be resolvable issues). I tend to stay at the Quality Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort on Manchester, which is next to the highway but is safe and clean. Never had any problems. While it isn't much to look at from the outside, the rooms are fairly kept-up. The Carousel Inn should be fine, it seems to have reviews and ratings on par with the Quality Inn I stay at, so the negatives are probably isolated incidents.
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Finally taking a trip to Disneyland
- Thread starter Jahona
- Start date
This. I think you have to really be careful about online reviews, particularly for motels, as people will look for almost any reason to disparage them because they didn't turn out to be the Four Seasons (housekeeping issues tend to top the complaints, but almost always seem to be resolvable issues). I tend to stay at the Quality Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort on Manchester, which is next to the highway but is safe and clean. Never had any problems. While it isn't much to look at from the outside, the rooms are fairly kept-up. The Carousel Inn should be fine, it seems to have reviews and ratings on par with the Quality Inn I stay at, so the negatives are probably isolated incidents.
Curious Constance
Well-Known Member
One piece of advice, if you are not taking advantage of early entry on any given day, it's a good idea to start your day at the park that is NOT offering early entry that day. This way crowds will be more managable for longer as long as you are there at opening. That's another thing I would recommend, always arrive at opening. The first 2-3 hours are pure heaven. Around 11-12 is when the crowds start showing up and making things crowded.
Curious Constance
Well-Known Member
By the way, Disney recently purchased the Carousel Inn (although it's still managed and operated by the old owners) so you can techinally say you're staying at a Disney hotel 
Although the hours of operation haven't been posted yet for March the days we are visiting aren't usually selected for early entry. Arrive Saturday leave Tuesday. It would be nice to take advantage of early opening.
By the way, Disney recently purchased the Carousel Inn (although it's still managed and operated by the old owners) so you can techinally say you're staying at a Disney hotel
if I remember right the rumor was that they wanted to ultimately tear it down to make a pedestrian walkway to land they own on the other side of the hotel.
ForeverAnna
Well-Known Member
DL has early entry at one of the parks for those staying on property every day so you'll still want to be aware of which one has it. It's usually at DCA Monday Wednesday Friday and Sunday and at DL Tuesday Thursday and Saturday.
Curious Constance
Well-Known Member
If you purchase at least 3 day tickets on the Disneyland website, you can get one day of early entry even if you're not staying at a DL hotel.
Yep purchasing a 3 day pass. I misunderstood the early opening, and didn't realize that each park pretty much rotates each day.
catmom46
Well-Known Member
I'm planning a 2-night staycation at DLR the last week of January as a birthday gift to myself. First night at Disneyland Hotel, the 2nd at Grand Californian. My first time at either, as I've stayed at Paradise Pier before. Can't wait!
So everything is paid for and I'm a month out. I ended up picking up a copy of the unofficial guide and read through it on my way to work. Some info in there was decent some subjective. They really push touring plans which is a bit of a turn off for me personally. I'm currently debating on if I want to bring along any camera gear. I've kinda changed up each trip what I've taken with me. From my DSLR to a GoPro on a 3 axis gimbal. To many choices.
I want to thank everyone for their advice. It's helped in figuring out what to do on things.
I want to thank everyone for their advice. It's helped in figuring out what to do on things.
Nastory4
Active Member
Looking forward to hearing about your trip. I am in the process of learning the tricks for DL for the Summer of '17
Phroobar
Well-Known Member
Good Luck! I know you are going to have the best time ever!
the-reason14
Well-Known Member
This is basically me now. There really isn't any value in going back to WDW for me at least. Not until after the countless construction walls and stuff go down. The biggest deterrent for me is the fast pass. If they hadn't limited it to 3 a day, I might just still be a WDW ap holder. But for now, Disneyland will do as well as heavily discounted trips to WDW with free entry
As far as Disneyland, it is very different for a first timer that comes from WDW. But you will see how convenient and close everything is. No waiting for busses, no long walks from one end of the mk to the other to get to rides, everything is easily accessible. I made note of this in another thread but you're getting near the same amount of rides and attractions that WDW has in just 2 parks, and you don't have to waste time waiting in line and riding busses. So more time to ride and have fun, so have a blast.
George Lucas on a Bench
Well-Known Member
Disneyland is better!
Little Green Men
Well-Known Member
Just checking but you know you can add more fps at a kiosk after you use your three, right?
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
the-reason14
Well-Known Member
Of course, and you're also forced to pick fastpasses for things that really do not need them. I much prefer the old way.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
I've always been amazed by the large number of attractions at WDW with the FP option.
Thanks!
Little Green Men
Well-Known Member
Got'cha
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
Disneyland is a place where you definitely don't need a 'touring plan' like one would assume.
It's supposed to be a 'vacation'....and relaxing.
The beautiful thing about the Park there is that you truly can just walk in the front gate, decide on a whim what you feel like doing, and just go and DO IT.
In just one day, you can do and see so much.
No need to make 'reservations' 6 months in advance.
No need to over-plan every step.
Not at Disneyland.
Just GO and enjoy.
Some of the best moments of your visit will come from non-planned moments just magically happening.
Regarding whether or not to bring your photography gear, that is up to you.
Disneyland Park in particular has some gorgeous eye candy and there are wonderful spots that i am sure you would like to get your own snapshots of.
I would definitely take some time during your visit to photograph some things.
Part of the fun of visiting is coming home and remembering the great time your had while looking at those pictures!
I personally choose one day of my multi-day visit to be 'Photography day' where i purposely carry around my camera and shoot various things.
I like to travel as light as possible when in the Parks, which includes nothing large in the pockets if i can.
So i typically don't carry a camera every day i am there as it turns into a annoying burden.
Something you have to keep your eye on and worry about when flying around on those fast rides...
There are lockers available at the Park for rent if you wish to take of break from carrying your equipment.
A option, should you need it.
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