First Timer Questions

[Huglife]

I'm planning a trip to DL in November. I've never been DL or California. I have a few questions: How far is DL from from other Southern California attractions? How many days do I need to in the parks to enjoy everything without rushing? I would never dream of staying in an offsite resort at WDW, is it the same for DL? Do I need to make my dinner reservations half a year ahead of time like at WDW? Also any other info or differences that you think would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

[svickersart]

I'm planning a trip to DL in November. I've never been DL or California. I have a few questions:
How far is DL from from other Southern California attractions?
If you mean theme parks, Knotts about 8 miles, 15 mins by car, Universal studios about 40 miles, depending on traffic an hour or better, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a couple of hours north with light traffic, San Diego an hour and a half to two hours.
How many days do I need to in the parks to enjoy everything without rushing?
At least 3 days at Disneyland Resort if parks are not crowded, if busy time 5 days.
I would never dream of staying in an offsite resort at WDW, is it the same for DL?
No, Disney's hotels are the best but there are no "value" resorts run by Disney at DL. Often though you get what you pay for in that area, if you are spending most of your time at the parks you can go cheap but dont expect high quality. also the phrase "within walking distance of Disneyland" is used pretty freely in that area and could mean two miles so if you stay off site map the place to the parks. the main walk up entrance is on Harbor Blvd.

Do I need to make my dinner reservations half a year ahead of time like at WDW?
I never have, I've even made them same day. It will depend on how busy the parks are. I would try early just to be sure.

Also any other info or differences that you think would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Disneyland is smaller and more intimate, and you can walk between the two parks and all three Disney hotels. DL and DCA are a coouple hundred feet apart, Disney's Grand Californian has an entrance into DCA abd DTD, DL hotel is at the far end of DTD and Paradise Pier Hotel is next to DL hotel.
Hint: check the park hours for the time you plan to visit, if DL is open until 11:00 or 12:00 pm and opens at 08:00 am during the week, then it is a busier time, if it closes at 8:00 or 9:00 pm and opens at 09:00 am it is usually a slower time.
steve

 

[TinkSassy]

On the hotels - if you are ok with an clean economy hotel there are a number of "Good Neighbor" hotels across from the main entrance. The Howard Johnson is very popular and the Best Western and Tropicana are clean but no luxury. The advantage here is location - easy walk from your room to the main gate.

 

[Disneyfanman]

I always end up staying about a mile from the parks to get better deals, and take the ART transit (not ideal, believe me), walk (after a full day at the parks it's a pain) or drive (15 bucks a day to park). Every single time I decide to stay closer, and then a deal gets me 1.5 miles away again. Howard Johnsons, Fairfield, and Desert Inn are RIGHT across the street.

Buy the unofficial guide, read the map carefully, and book right across the street. It's good advice which I never take myself. In fact I am staying during Easter Weekend at the Marriott Residence Inn (1.5 miles from the entrance). It was such a good deal.............

 

[Huglife]

Thanks for the responses. They are very helpful. From looking at google maps It seems that DL is about 30/45 mins from LA and Hollywoodish stuff. Is this accurate?