Pre-Trip Report & Advice Seeking! - April 2015

[MDactor1980]

DH and I, and another couple are now planning a DL trip for April 2015, DH and the wife of the other couple both work in the public school system, so we are heading out for their Spring Break (April 4-11, 2015).

I have been happily culling info from the "Guide to DLR for WDW veterans" as that is the perfect description for our travelling party.

I'm looking for some advice and answers to questions that any DLR pro's can provide.

Our day-by day itinerary:
Saturday (April 4): Arrival in OC airport, rent car, check in, grocery shop, get settled
Sunday (Easter): Relax at resort, visit the beach, pool time, chill out day
Monday: Day 1 at DLR
Tuesday: Day 2 at DLR
Wednesday: Day 3 at DLR
Thursday: Catalina Island trip
Friday: LA/Santa Monica sightseeing
Saturday (April 11): Check out & head home (Why must vacations end!?)

I'm an RCI time share user, so we are booked in a resort in San Clemente, CA for the week, and according to Google, we are about 40 minutes south of Anaheim/DLR. I'm thinking we should budget an hour to get from resort to DLR? What is parking like at DLR? (I've never parked at WDW)

I can get discounted 3-day park-hoppers from work, and I think 3 days is enough time to get a good taste of DLR, but still have time in our trip to explore SoCal (Every one else's first trip!).

I think I gave us some decent decompression times, Sunday to relax after travelling, and the Catalina trip I'm hoping isn't so high energy that we don't get too relax after three days going strong in the park.

Besides the Early Admission, does DL offer any welcome show (like at WDW) to make it necessary to be there at the butt-crack of dawn?

I think the LA game plan is to head to Santa Monica first to see the pier and town (had a lovely quick visit there last summer while filming a movie), then to Hollywood to see the touristy things (Walk of Fame, Pink's, Pink's) and hoping for dinner at SUR (because some of us are big fans of the Real Housewives...).

Then Saturday we will all be sad and flying home.

So... tips? Advice for Disney or our other SoCal destinations are welcome!
Weather: What is weather like? Consistently warm? Will we need jackets at night? Will it be too cold to use the pool?
Crowd Control: We don't have flexibility in when we can go, so how bad will the crowds be at DLR during Spring Break?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[gboiler1]

DL doesn't have an opening show like WDW so you won't be missing out but you know how being early is a good thing. I personally wouldn't want that drive every day but I'm sure you'll have a wonderful visit either way.

 

[MDactor1980]

The drive isn't perfect, but is balanced by the low cost for lodging. 40-60 minutes is about the max I would do. The drive will be easier knowing we're just trying to get FP's and not see any entertainment, etc.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

The drive isn't perfect, but is balanced by the low cost for lodging. 40-60 minutes is about the max I would do. The drive will be easier knowing we're just trying to get FP's and not see any entertainment, etc.

Beware that you are looking to hit Disneyland on weekdays, which means there will be traffic on the 5. Without traffic, it takes about 40 minutes. With traffic, it can take longer than 60 minutes. If you have a smartphone, Google Maps will do time estimates for you day of, which can help you plan when to leave.

 

[MDactor1980]

Thanks for the reminder! I got to experience the "magic" of the 5 last summer. Knowing that there isn't any morning show at DL, I won't be so anxious about getting there a few minutes late. I was already mentally planning at least an hour drive in the morning each day!

 

[Nextinline]

Going in April, you might want a light jacket or sweatshirt at night, & possibly early in the morning. Depending on where you stand watching World of Color (a must do!) you may get a little wet, so a jacket would be a good idea then for sure. Afternoons & evenings should be quite sunny & warm. I've been to Disneyland during spring break & labor day weekend & honestly wasn't bothered by the crowds. Like any disney trip, planning is important. Extra magic hours allow you to basically walk-on all of Fantasyland, & by the time the park opens you can squeeze in 2 or 3 more rides before the lines start to grow. If you do that, you have the entire day to relax & let your fastpasses take care of the rest!