Is it really worth the trip?

[loveofamouse]

First off, sorry I didn't come back after our trip. We moved lol.

My 5yr old has been "mapping" out a trip to CA. He has desperately been trying to convince us to take a trip out west to see the Pacific (he also wants to go to Alaska but I'm not touching that). I told DH I wouldn't mind making a trip out there for DL and LegoLand. He says not as long as we are stationed on the East coast. Would it really be worth it to take a trip to DL? We've gone to WDW about 2x a year for the last 6+yrs. Plus, I went at least 1x a yr as a kid. Would I be disappointed in DL? Could we spend a week out there? Thanks!

 

[MillerPoppins]

I wonder that constantly. My friend, who has been a cast member within WDW for over 10 years, is obsessed with DL and everything about it out there. To me, I feel like it wouldn't be worth it when you have two parks out there and four in FL. I would love to know the answer to this myself. Thanks for asking!

 

[tampabrad]

I don't think you would be dissapointed but, I would wait until Disney's California Adventure is finished with it's huge expansion and reconstruction before heading out there.

Personally, spending a week at the DL resort is a bit much. You can make it your home base and venture out to the rest of So CA. If you are just into parks, there is LegoLand, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain.

As for the DL Resort, obviously it is small compared to WDWYou can walk through Downtown Disney to both parks and the 3 hotels. The parks are fun of course and DL Park is the only one Walt walked in. It is much smaller than the MK and some people will say it is quaint or charming, I say it is cramped and cluttered. As for attractions that are shared between MK and DL, some are better at MK and some are better at DL.

DCA is fun, but it is going to be great when the major rehab is finished. CarsLand looks like it is going to be amazing.

Dining is good at DL and doesn't compare to dining at WDW.

 

[loveofamouse]

It is much smaller than the MK and some people will say it is quaint or charming, I say it is cramped and cluttered.
Dining is good at DL and doesn't compare to dining at WDW.

:lol::lol::ROFLOL::lol::lol:

Sadly, I've never done the dining plan at WDW:shrug: we considered it this year but, instead, paid $500 for a plane ticket for DH's sister to join us. To which she backed out of 3 days prior to the trip......is there a smiley for money going down a toilet........:zipit:

 

[rct247]

It's worth it. You shouldn't be disappointed. Just make sure to see the other area attractions. It is easy to spend a week only at WDW, but really about 3 days are all it takes to see all of the Disneyland Resort.

Although the real Hollywood is a little sketchy and dirty, you should visit it. Universal Studios Hollywood is great. The Backlot Tour alone is worth a trip. Legoland is further south from LA, but is nice from what I have heard. I have a friend that lives in Carlsbad, CA and the town is nice too. Oh and just a warning, the Pacific Ocean is cold. Don't expect to do much swimming at the beach if you go.

So, 2-3 days at Disney, 1 day at Legoland, 1 day at Universal, and 1 day touring real Hollywood. Sound about right.

 

[Monty]

DL/DCA and Legoland would certainly consume a good chunk of a week. Much older than 5 and Legoland loses its appeal, it is very much geared to younger kids.

We went for a week a few years ago and got the Citypass tickets, we went to San Diego Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland and the days at DL/DCA.

 

[Figment82]

You're kidding about the dining, right? There may not be as many full service options, but the food choices and quality at the quick service locations are 100 times better than what you'll find at WDW. Every location has a unique menu, and many are set up as buffeterias where you can pick and choose what you want. I'm a local to WDW, but I find myself longing for the food at DLR.

And although a week at DLR may be excessive (I could certainly go for that long or longer, but that's just me ) - you will not be disappointed. Although the resort is smaller, you'll be amazed at how much is contained within Disneyland compared to the Magic Kingdom. I agree though, waiting until after the rennovations at DCA are complete may be wise if you don't plan on going out there again anytime soon, but I don't think you'll be disappointed at all

 

[loveofamouse]

You're kidding about the dining, right? There may not be as many full service options, but the food choices and quality at the quick service locations are 100 times better than what you'll find at WDW. Every location has a unique menu, and many are set up as buffeterias where you can pick and choose what you want. I'm a local to WDW, but I find myself longing for the food at DLR.

Sadly, not kidding.:lookaroun We mainly do QS and some restaurants that we don't need ressies for, like RFC at DTD. This year, we tried the REX one (name escapes me right now) and liked it. I approached DH about the plan this year but, besides the wasted plan ticket (snce DP required upfront payment. used that money for ticket), DH didn't want our days completely planned out like that. He was afraid we would have to get out in the middle of things to make res.

 

[Figment82]

Sadly, not kidding.:lookaroun We mainly do QS and some restaurants that we don't need ressies for, like RFC at DTD. This year, we tried the REX one (name escapes me right now) and liked it. I approached DH about the plan this year but, besides the wasted plan ticket (snce DP required upfront payment. used that money for ticket), DH didn't want our days completely planned out like that. He was afraid we would have to get out in the middle of things to make res.

Sorry for the confusion - I should've used the quote tag. I was actually responding to tampabrad's comment that the dining at DLR doesn't compare to WDW. Unless of course they meant that DLR's is better.

If you mainly do QS locations anyway, then you'll really like DLR's options.

 

[Monty]

Sorry for the confusion - I should've used the quote tag. I was actually responding to tampabrad's comment that the dining at DLR doesn't compare to WDW. Unless of course they meant that DLR's is better.

If you mainly do QS locations anyway, then you'll really like DLR's options.

I read tampabrad's post as an endorsement of DL's dining over WDW's. :shrug:

 

[Figment82]

I read tampabrad's post as an endorsement of DL's dining over WDW's. :shrug:

Then I offer my apologies once again - I see now that I misunderstood the post, and I agree with the endorsement!

 

[mrssparrow]

We made the trip out to DL this June and really enjoyed it. I agree with others that a week in DL would be a bit much; however, we used the Grand Californian as our base and trekked out throughout So.Cal.

I wouldn't necessarily say DL is cramped and cluttered, but I looked at it as you didn't have to walk all over to get to a ride. they are closer together. The theming on some of the same rides in WDW is different and it was enjoyable noticing the differences.

DCA was fun as well. In all, we loved being there. I can't say enough positive things about it.

We used the So.Cal City Pass which included a 3 day hopper to DL/DCA. That seemed sufficient for disney.

It also included tickets to Universal Studios (fun), San Diego Zoo, and Sea World San Diego. They were all great; however, driving to and from San Diego from DL can be tiring (we stayed there for a few days to see those attractions).

The one thing I do not recommended if you have a child over the age of 5 is lego land. It is very childish. Our 8 year old son who loves everything lego was very disappointment at the 'kiddie' rides there. I would recommended really researching it before you go.

While we only did 3 actual disney days, we went to santa monica, hollywood (do the star tour... fun.. even for the kids), beverly hills, and then san diego for a few days.
We really had a lot of fun and it was worth it~ definitely recommend it!

 

[mrssparrow]

I have to also agree on the cold temperatures of the pacific ocean. definitely not the atlantic. it is bitter cold!

 

[Master Yoda]

We have been struggling with that decision for quite some time now. We are in Jacksonville Fl as well and with all of the discounted passes, discounted room rates and ability to drive to WDW we have never been able to pull the DL trigger. When we run the numbers it always comes down to one week long trip to DL or multiple trips all year long to WDW. We make around 10 trips per year to WDW and are just not ready to give up Star Wars Weekends, 4th of July fireworks, food and wine, flower and garden, Halloween and Christmas at WDW for one trip to DL. Our current plan is to wait a few more years to when the 2 of our 3 kids have moved out and do a 2 to 3 week road trip to DL with a bunch of detours on the way back.

 

[loveofamouse]

yeah, that's one of my thoughts, too. It would cost ALOT to get a family of 5 out to the West coast. Even if we drove, it would cost alot and take days away from fun time. I kinda weigh it as taking a long WDW trip or an exp trip to DL. I've never been to DL, though.

Normally, we do 1wk in the spring at WDW. Then, random weekends throughout the year. Besides all of the resident discounts, we get military discounts, too.

Im thinking ahead to the spring as far as our Spring Family Vaca. I've thought about a "tour" of the theme parks up here (BG, KD, HP, SP, and others) but my other thought is that these are so close, these could be our "random weekends" while still doing our week at Disney as usual.

Maybe do our week with some upgrades from our usual?

 

[wm49rs]

yeah, that's one of my thoughts, too. It would cost ALOT to get a family of 5 out to the West coast. Even if we drove, it would cost alot and take days away from fun time. I kinda weigh it as taking a long WDW trip or an exp trip to DL. I've never been to DL, though.

Normally, we do 1wk in the spring at WDW. Then, random weekends throughout the year. Besides all of the resident discounts, we get military discounts, too.

Im thinking ahead to the spring as far as our Spring Family Vaca. I've thought about a "tour" of the theme parks up here (BG, KD, HP, SP, and others) but my other thought is that these are so close, these could be our "random weekends" while still doing our week at Disney as usual.

Maybe do our week with some upgrades from our usual?

One thing to consider is possibly wait for a few years to take a DL trip. By 2013 (I believe) the new CarsLand section will be open. Start your planning and budgeting now, and perhaps you can ease some of the expenses by saving/paying ahead of time......

 

[jeffk410]

DL/DCA and Legoland would certainly consume a good chunk of a week. Much older than 5 and Legoland loses its appeal, it is very much geared to younger kids.

We went for a week a few years ago and got the Citypass tickets, we went to San Diego Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland and the days at DL/DCA.

I vote a day at San Diego Zoo too... It would be a pretty fun day. Its huge.

 

[Master Yoda]

yeah, that's one of my thoughts, too. It would cost ALOT to get a family of 5 out to the West coast. Even if we drove, it would cost alot and take days away from fun time. I kinda weigh it as taking a long WDW trip or an exp trip to DL. I've never been to DL, though.

Normally, we do 1wk in the spring at WDW. Then, random weekends throughout the year. Besides all of the resident discounts, we get military discounts, too.

Im thinking ahead to the spring as far as our Spring Family Vaca. I've thought about a "tour" of the theme parks up here (BG, KD, HP, SP, and others) but my other thought is that these are so close, these could be our "random weekends" while still doing our week at Disney as usual.

Maybe do our week with some upgrades from our usual?

That sounds like a good plan. A few people have also suggested that you wait until DCA is finished and I think that is sound advice. We have explored the driving option as well and it is just too far to try and fit into anything less than about a 10-14 day trip with nearly half of it spent driving.

 

[rct247]

If it makes any difference, look into flying into John Wayne International Airport rather than LAX. I am going out on a limb by saying this, but it could be cheaper. John Wayne is closer to Disneyland anyways.

 

[MarkTwain]

Absolutely worth it. Riding Indiana Jones and their version of Pirates, as well as seeing their version of Fantasmic, has permanently changed my perspective of what Disney is capable of. It was mind-blowing. Some would say the parks are cluttered, but I would say they are charming and appealing. It's also very cool seeing the original House that Walt Built, in a historical sense.

I would agree with those that say to wait before making your big trip, though. DCA's current entrance is going to be completely torn up for the next few years, which might not be as pleasant as its replacement, Buena Vista Street. Then of course you'll have Little Mermaid opening up in 2011, and Cars Land opening up in 2012, so I think waiting for two years might be ideal. Not to mention smaller things, like the fact that Fantasmic's dragon (which is one of the things I listed as amazing) is broken and may not be fixed for a while.