Help with planning a trip to Disneyland

[kcnole]

I'm a WDW person myself. I've grown up in Florida and visited WDW my entire life, however I don't feel that any true fan of the Disney parks can really claim to be a fanatic without visiting the original at least once in their life.

SO, I'm in the process of pre-planning a trip to Disneyland that I'm trying to talk my wife into letting us take. I figure this will probably be a once in a lifetime thing for me, maybe twice if I'm lucky so I plan on trying to do the best trip possible when I go, so I'm looking for your advice.

1.) How many days do I need to dedicate to truly seeing these parks. Do both of them need 2 days or could I get away with 2 at Disneyland and 1 a DCA?

2.) Which Hotel is considered the premiere hotel at the resort. If I wanted the absolute best experience which hotel would you recommend I stay at?

3.) Does anyone have an estimation of what a flight from Florida out there will cost?

4.) What things must I see while I'm there?

5.) What restaurants are considered the best places to eat at the parks?

6.) What time of year would be best for me to visit?

7.) Most of the trip will be spent at Disneyland, but I'd hate to travel all the way to the other side of the country and completely miss some things I should most definitely see while I'm there. So what other things aside from Disney should I visit? The only other thing I know of is Universal which I hear pales quite a bit with Disney or even the Universal in Orlando. What other things are there to see?

 

[mousermerf]

1. I'm doing 3 whole days, with some time on my fly-in day too. I think it will be plenty of time, but i wont see every little thing.

2. Disney's Grand Californian.

3. $350ish, roundtrip. It's cheaper to fly into LAX, but SNA is closer, and not in LA's ghetto part of town. I'm flying cheap via a friends frequent flyer miles. Mobissimo, Ding!, and Priceline are all options for finding cheap flights.

4. That's something you have to decide for yourself. I'd recommend anything that is unique to DLR.

5. Club 33 is their top place, but you need to know someone to get in. Otherwise, Blue Bayou is highly recommended. Not much else sticks out as a must-do there.

6. If you want to do 3 park days, with fly-in and out on other days (4 night total) then go in the fall when they have the stay 3 days get the 4th night free promotion going on. Check out mousesavers.com for details.

7. I contemplated this, if you can do a longer trip, go for it. If you're cramped for time or money, don't venture away from DLR. There's movie studio tours, site seeing like the Mann's Chinese Theater, stuff like that.

 

[MainSt1993]

1.) How many days do I need to dedicate to truly seeing these parks. Do both of them need 2 days or could I get away with 2 at Disneyland and 1 a DCA?

2.) Which Hotel is considered the premiere hotel at the resort. If I wanted the absolute best experience which hotel would you recommend I stay at?

4.) What things must I see while I'm there?

5.) What restaurants are considered the best places to eat at the parks?

6.) What time of year would be best for me to visit?

7.) Most of the trip will be spent at Disneyland, but I'd hate to travel all the way to the other side of the country and completely miss some things I should most definitely see while I'm there. So what other things aside from Disney should I visit? The only other thing I know of is Universal which I hear pales quite a bit with Disney or even the Universal in Orlando. What other things are there to see?

I don't want to duplicate too much, but hope I can give some additional ideas.

1.) 2 days is generally enough time to see both parks. To have a great experience, go with 3. Disneyland will easily consume an entire day. They have many more attractions than MK, and you'll probably notice many of the attractions are longer. DCA isn't really a full day park, and the slower pace is probably why I like it so much. There are a handful of 'off the shelf' attractions, but the original stuff is great.

2.) Hands down, Disney's Grand Californian. And the theme park view is worth the cost. Anaheim is not an attractive city.

4.) Disneyland is rich is tradition and history. I would characterize it as a much more intimate experience than MK, where I tend to feel as if I'm being processed. Some of the biggest differences are seen on the West side of the park, particularly with Pirates and Mansion. For instance, on Mansion you actually do board an elevator that takes you below ground. Many of the characters in Splash Mountain first found life in America Sings in Tomorrowland. Even It's a Small World is more comprehensive.

5.) I'd recommend Carnation Cafe for breakfast (unless you opt for a character breakfast), Blue Bayou for lunch, and Napa Rose for dinner. Priority Seating is available for all.

6.) 50th events end at the end of September, although 3 attractions (Mansion, for the holiday install, Matterhorn, and California Screamin') are already slated to be shut down after Labor Day. The Christmas season starts early with Haunted Mansion Holiday in early October. Christmas is a great season to visit. Jan-Feb are dead months and there is very limited entertainment those months.

7.) Knott's Berry Farm, about 10 minutes away, offers a steep discount on tickets after 4 pm. Six Flags Magic Mountain is a vortex for thrill-seeking coaster enthusiasts. Universal is very different in Hollywood, as it is an actual studio. Many of the attractions that are separate rides in FL are part of the tram tour in Hollywood. San Diego is beautiful, and about 2 hours away. If you're an art lover, don't miss the Getty museum www.getty.edu. If you love beautiful gardens, consider a trip to Pasadena and the Hunington Library & Gardens.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Maryssa*]

If you want to eat at the Blue Bayou, make reservations as far in advance as you can... its ALWAYS totally full.

The Grand Californian is like a mini Wilderness Lodge; really pretty, and has a private entrance to california adventure! it overlooks the park or part of the downtown disney strip which is really nice. The Disneyland hotel is pretty boring =p

And yes I would say 2 days for disneyland park and 1 day for DCA is enough to see everything. DCA is rather lacking in must-see attractions =/

 

[nelsonj3]

My wife and I are also WDW people, and we are also in the process of planning my 2nd trip and her 1st trip to Disneyland. I found this thread:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=75741
to be very helpful. There is a lot of great advice for first timers on that thread.

 

[Brisal73]

1.) How many days do I need to dedicate to truly seeing these parks. Do both of them need 2 days or could I get away with 2 at Disneyland and 1 a DCA?

Depends on what time of year you go, but I would take 3 days at the DLR. One being Disneyland, second being DCA during the day and Disneyland at night, and third day could be a park hopper day since the 2 parks are so close together compared to WDW you can hit the attraction you like best

2.) Which Hotel is considered the premiere hotel at the resort. If I wanted the absolute best experience which hotel would you recommend I stay at?

All 3 DL hotels are great
1) Grand California
2) DL Hotel
3) Paradise Pier

I would choose DL Hotel for simple reason of nostalgia. 1st trip to DL should be the DL hotel as well

3.) Does anyone have an estimation of what a flight from Florida out there will cost?

Again depends on time of year

4.) What things must I see while I'm there?
DL: don't fall under the assumption that all attractions are the same as WDW. Do them all... each one is different in its own way.

Not to be missed:
Space Mountain
Indiana Jones
Matterhorn
Fantasmic
Remember Fireworks
Pirates

5.) What restaurants are considered the best places to eat at the parks?

DCA: Golden Winery. Two restaurants here . Second level being more expensive, but better food, Taste Pilots, Lemon Freeze, Churros, and a small place at the GC Hotel...Bear snacks hidden gem

DL: Blue Bayou, Bengal BBQ, Redd Rockets, Zocalo, Lemon Freeze, Churros


6.) What time of year would be best for me to visit?
I would choose last month of August beginning of September. Schools start to go back in session and the attractions are fully operational


7.) Most of the trip will be spent at Disneyland, but I'd hate to travel all the way to the other side of the country and completely miss some things I should most definitely see while I'm there. So what other things aside from Disney should I visit? The only other thing I know of is Universal which I hear pales quite a bit with Disney or even the Universal in Orlando. What other things are there to see?

I would actually do Universal Hollywood, BUT only if you get the VIP pass which gives you an inside toiur of the entire studio. You actually get to walk in the actual lot of the famous movies and tv shows, plus you get a really awesome view on how a movie studio work TOTALLY WORTH THE MONEY

If you like thrill rides/ coasters make sure you go to Six Flags Magic Mountain. the new Tatsu ride might be the best coaster in the world.

Anyways if you have any more questions just email me at brisal73@hotmail.com

-Brian
www.remainseated.com

 

[kcnole]

Thanks for the advice. Everest is about the toughest coaster I can handle so I don't think we'd be doing Six Flags. I was actually curious about things aside from theme parks. What is there to do non theme parkish around the Disneyland area?

 

[nelsonj3]

Thanks for the advice. Everest is about the toughest coaster I can handle so I don't think we'd be doing Six Flags. I was actually curious about things aside from theme parks. What is there to do non theme parkish around the Disneyland area?

Good question... I'm curious about this also.

Also, how far is the closest beach to DL? Is it worth the trip? My wife has never seen the Pacific Ocean, and it woudl be a shame to be that close and not at least go over there once.

Also, is Sea World worth it? Is the Orlando version better? I've only been to SW Orlando.

 

[Disneysue]

Former Anaheim Resident advice

For breakfast around Disneyland, go to La Brea Bakery. Italian pastries, fresh and best early in the morning. At Disneyland, do the Walk in Walts Footsteps Tour. Its around $50 and includes lunch. Even the most dedicated disney fan will learn something and you can only do it at Disneyland. Make sure you wave at the window above the Firehouse, Walt is there .

OUtside of Disneyland, for dinner, go to The Old Spaghetti Factory in Fullerton. Its about 15 minutes down Harbor BLVD. Its in an old restored train station and has GREAT italian food, super cheap. A dinner will run you about $12 per person and includes bread, salad, ice tea or coffee, entre, and a scoop of Spumoni ice cream!

A great place for coffee and to hear local bands is a coffee shop called THE HUB Cafe 124 E. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA (714) 871-2233. Its actually across the parking lot from Old Spaghetti Factory. SCREAMIN good coffee of all kinds and a killer retro 80's arcade game room!

California State University Fullerton http://http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/events/ (<---their arts page link) is also less than 30 minutes away and they may have some plays or events going on.

Near Knotts Berry Farm (which you can skip) there is Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, about $50 a person for a good meal and a fun show.

 

[Disneysue]

Good Beaches, under 1 hour!

Okay, a good beach, Balboa Beach, Huntington Beach, GOBS abd GOBS of beaches just a short drive down the freeway! Pick up a map in your Hotel Lobby.

 

[Brisal73]

If you go South from Harbor Blvd/Disneyland you will eventually find the beach. Roughly a 20 minute drive by streets.

I dont think Sea World is worth it. I would check out Knotts Berry Farm/ Soak City instead.

If you venture out make sure you rent a car

If you decide To visit Univeral or Hollywood in general I would check out Hollywood and Highland which has the Mann Grauman Chinese Theater, Kodak theater, and the disney owned El Capitan. If there is a movie that is playing check out the El Capitan or go on a tour. The Mann Grauman Chinese and El Capitan are really awesome movie theaters. You also have the Hollywood Bowl and If you go to downtown L.A. check out the Disney Concert Hall.

For food I would check out PINKS... off of La Brea. L.A. famous fast food place

and for famous beaches I would see the Santa Monica Pier. It is kind of famous as far as beaches go plus there is a lot to do in and around the area

Some links
Hollywood and Highland:
http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/
Disney Concert Hall:
http://wdch.laphil.com/about/overview.cfm

Hollywood Bowl:
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/
Mann Graumans Chinese
http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/tours.php
Santa Monica Pier
http://www.santamonicapier.org/
Pinks Hot Dogs
http://www.pinkshollywood.com/
El Capitan Theater
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/
Griffith Park (closed till later 2006)
http://www.griffithobs.org/

 

[kcnole]

Thanks, that's the kind of info I was looking for.

 

[JimboJones123]

1 - At least 2/1. You could easily have a 5 day hopper and take a day off in the middle and still not see everything. It is an awesome place.

2 - If you are worried about airline costs, GF may be a bit much. Right now for fall they are offering 4th night free at all DL resorts. But GF is really nice, and it will save you about 15 minutes extra walk each way from the park. But you can enjoy the ammenities from each hotel, so a park view at PP is really cool too.

3 - Do a check today! No more than 400 I'm sure, unless you go to SNA.

4 - In order Matterhorn/Indy/Pirates/Splash/Space/Alice/Pinnoc/ Tiki/Roger/Casey/Storybook/Subs when they open. I've never been to DCA.

5 - Blue Bayou. I did see Michael Jackson eat at the Buffet on Main St. once. So I don't know if you can count that as an endorsement or not. Goofy's is AWESOME, but very expensive. Esp compared to WDW breakfast buffets.

6 - If you want to see HM Holiday -- go Oct/Dec. Summer is HOT. Nov-Mar can be COLD and rainy. Much colder that Orlando. Highs can get only up to mid 50s. Check out Low seasons in either official or unofficial guide. Crowds can be MUCH larger at random times that WDW too. AVOID THE WEEKENDS. Locals travel from hundreds of miles away.

7 - Newport is close, if you like seafood, go to the Crab Cooker. The clam chowder is the best in the world from what I hear. I don't eat fish, but the praise is enough to make me endorse it anyways. My family hits the joint at least 1-2 times a trip. Not to mention the Chili place -- What's that called (chili omlett!)??? Balboa has a midway, and that's fun. Both are straight out Harbour Blvd. or the HWY (don't remember the #). It's about a 15-20 mile drive or so. There is also massive "snooty" shopping a few blocks in from the beach on Harbour if you don't want to go to Beverly Hills.

If you really want a treat, if you can find a way into the Magic Castle -- GO! I don't know if there are members here, but you do need a member to get in. It RULES!

 

[KrazyKemp]

I am a Disneyland Veteran! Living on the West Coast, I have been there at least 13 times in my life...not too bad...considering I am only 20...

1.) You absolutely NEED 2 days at Disneyland (just like at the MK), it has almost exactly the same things except for Mr Toad is still there, and the Pirates of The Caribbean is about twice as long.

Myself, I love to park hop between Disneyland and DCA. They are literally just a quick walk away from each other, and usually one day in DCA is good enough for me.

2.) The "Premiere Hotel" in Disneyland is The Grand Californian Hotel (very similar to WDW's Wilderness Lodge) I stayed here once, and it is beautiful! Extra morning hours are a big perk at this hotel.

3.) To fly from Sacramento to Orlando is about $350 so I am guessing about that much to go the opposite way as well.

4.) You must see the Indiana Jones Ride, (although one or two effects have stopped working since it opened) and you must experience Matterhorn Mountain. Of course, ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...the last of it's kind. And see Fantasmic! (in my opinion, better than WDW's).

Also, in DCA, ride California Screamin! And see the Tower of Terror...though, not as good as WDW's it is still fun...

5.) The Blue Bayou. Right inside Pirates of the Caribbean, right on the water! Ah...great times...

6.) I would say the first two weeks of September are the best time to visit. School will be back in session, and the weather is cooler.

7.) Medieval Times Dinner Show, and Knotts Berry Farm. Knotts Berry Farm is usually the park I go to alongside Disney. I love to take week tong trips, and Disneyland alone just doesn't have enough for a week...Knotts Berry Farm, or Universal Studios (gasp!) are good choices. But Universal only takes a day to tour. As does Knotts, if you get there early.

Have a great time!

 

[Disneysue]

My last 2 cents 8:0)

:wave: If your going to be headed to San Diego anyway, I would definately go to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. They are DEFINATELY worth the drive!

If you go for a week, you can do it all, and not feel like your sprinting from one thing to another. You can actually do a somewhat laid back tour. AND, thats all I have to say about that. Have a good time!

 

[JaSnake16]

Hey, I just got back, and I also am a WDW person so maybe I cn help you a bit.

I'm a WDW person myself. I've grown up in Florida and visited WDW my entire life, however I don't feel that any true fan of the Disney parks can really claim to be a fanatic without visiting the original at least once in their life.

SO, I'm in the process of pre-planning a trip to Disneyland that I'm trying to talk my wife into letting us take. I figure this will probably be a once in a lifetime thing for me, maybe twice if I'm lucky so I plan on trying to do the best trip possible when I go, so I'm looking for your advice.

1.) How many days do I need to dedicate to truly seeing these parks. Do both of them need 2 days or could I get away with 2 at Disneyland and 1 a DCA?

2.) Which Hotel is considered the premiere hotel at the resort. If I wanted the absolute best experience which hotel would you recommend I stay at?

3.) Does anyone have an estimation of what a flight from Florida out there will cost?

4.) What things must I see while I'm there?

5.) What restaurants are considered the best places to eat at the parks?

6.) What time of year would be best for me to visit?

7.) Most of the trip will be spent at Disneyland, but I'd hate to travel all the way to the other side of the country and completely miss some things I should most definitely see while I'm there. So what other things aside from Disney should I visit? The only other thing I know of is Universal which I hear pales quite a bit with Disney or even the Universal in Orlando. What other things are there to see?

1.) We gave 2 days to Disneyland park and one day for the CA. This was more than enough. In 2 days you can definitely cover all of Disneyland park cause it does have more rides than MK in WDW so there will be more wait time especially if you go a busy time of year (their seemed to be tons of teenagers there last week, must have been graduation trips) especially for the E ticket rides. CA you can do in 1 day (maybe less).

2.) The premiere hotel is the Grand Caifornian. Think Wilderness Lodge and you can sort of picture it in your head. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel which i thought was beautifully themed. Waterfalls, Fish ponds, the Neverland pool, it was extremely nice. The other hotel is the Paradise Pier which is absolutely nothing special. All are in walking distance of the parks through D'town Disney and the Grand Caifornian is actually connected into the CA park.

3.) Sorry I live in NY but I paid 120 on Jet Blue a ticket to Long Beach Airport and then rented a car to get over to Disneyland Resort. I think the cab is about 50 bucks.

4.) Space Mountain (you cannot compare this ride to WDW), Fantasmic, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Lost Eye (I think its called but another great ride), all of Fantasyland (definitely has a more nostalgic feel then WDW), Paradise Pier in CA

5.) We had the character breakfast in the Plaza Inn, very good buffet. The Carnation Cafe on Main Street was also a nice spot for sit down breakfast. Unfortunately for me the Blue Bayou was closed during my visit and alot of people praise that place but I didnt get a chance to experience it.

6.) I went from the 13th to the 16th, it still wasnt considered season and the park closed early on the 14th and 15th (no Fantasmic) but I did get to see Fantasmic (from the balcony) on the 13th so my opinion is to go in season so you get to experience everything.

7.) Cant help you here cause all we saw was Disney, then we drove to Vegas for 5 days :drevil: (5 hour drive or 40 min flight) but I know that Knotts Berry Farm is there in Anaheim (themepark, Six Flagish), Legoland is about 30 minutes away, San Diego (Zoo, Sea World) a couple of hours south

Hope this helps