[hiner]

We are pretty much set on DLR for our major vacation next year and DH bought me the Unofficial Guide to DLR. While a lot of it seems to be the same as the Guide to WDW, it seems DLR is going to be more tricky to plan. I love planning our trips to WDW but I am getting nervous about DLR! I haven't even finished the first chapter and my head is spinning and I am shaking. I keep thinking, "well WDW does it this way, why does DLR do it that way". I am going to have to completely block WDW out of my brain in order to get all the mumbo jumbo down for DLR. Here are a few of my questions and/or concerns.....

DLR has three resorts, BUT, there are the Good Neighbor Resorts. Ok I understand there is no room for DLR to build more resorts, but what makes them a GNR and do you get the same perks as DLR resorts? AND....then there are the passes. If you purchase a 3 day hopper pass or more, you get Early Morning Access. This is not just for DLR Resort guests is it? Does that mean it is really, really crowded on the Early Morning Access days?? Is it worth going??

Crowded and non-crowded days oh my!!!!! It appears the only good day would be Wed. or Thurs., forget the weekends because of the locals, and the summer months make Mon. and Fri. crowded too. Then they suggest you contact reservations to find out the park hours and happenings a day before you arrive, WHAT, A DAY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE???? ARE THEY NUTS!!!!!!

We normally rent a car for WDW and are planning on doing the same for DLR (we are also planning on seeing other things around the area). The guide in so many words basically tells you to walk everywhere or use shuttles/trams/taxis/monorails due to the congestion and overcrowding. If we stay at a DLR resort, is parking free at the parks, ie, like WDW?? Is it even worth driving or should we be at the mercy of a shuttle and rent for the days we are planning on doing non DLR activities.

Ok all, thank you for letting me vent, I have calmed down a little. The book is closed for another day. I am probably over reacting for nothing!!!!! It is almost exactly a year until we go, which I will need to research everything, and I am panicing. Please give me some words of encouragement!!! DH and I were there 20 years ago and it seemed so much easier back then than now.

Thanks,
Kim

[Dana]

In order to really enjoy your DL trip, I think you are going to have to mentally seperate from WDW. It's not the same...wasn't meant to be the same. You have to think of this as a totally new adventure. You will get some great tips and advice on that disney park(s) on here. We have many members that go there often. Relax...you are going to love it. How could you not enjoy a disney park?

[Amelia's Man]

hiner, not only are you going to have a most magnificent vacation in DL, you will let us all know about it with a great trip report when you get home! And like Dana said, we have many members here who vacation in DL! I'm sure there will me a number of responses to you requests! Go with the flow! It's Disney!!

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by hiner

DLR has three resorts, BUT, there are the Good Neighbor Resorts. Ok I understand there is no room for DLR to build more resorts, but what makes them a GNR and do you get the same perks as DLR resorts? AND....then there are the passes. If you purchase a 3 day hopper pass or more, you get Early Morning Access. This is not just for DLR Resort guests is it? Does that mean it is really, really crowded on the Early Morning Access days?? Is it worth going??

No special deals with the GNR.. Just Disneyland's attempt to make them folks who can't afford to stay on Disnyland Property feel just as special as everyone else.

I've never done early morning access. Wouldn't know..

Originally Posted by hiner

Crowded and non-crowded days oh my!!!!! It appears the only good day would be Wed. or Thurs., forget the weekends because of the locals, and the summer months make Mon. and Fri. crowded too. Then they suggest you contact reservations to find out the park hours and happenings a day before you arrive, WHAT, A DAY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE???? ARE THEY NUTS!!!!!!

Prepare for crowds. Some days are worse than others. And yes, the weekends can be murder in the summer, which is why lesser premium passes block those days out..

Remember, Disneyland is relatively small, and you can adjust your vacation to accommodate crowds or specifically, crowded rides.

Sometimes it's good just to relax and take that trip to the tar pits on a really huge day where no one is going to have fun because of the crowd level..

Originally Posted by hiner

We normally rent a car for WDW and are planning on doing the same for DLR (we are also planning on seeing other things around the area). The guide in so many words basically tells you to walk everywhere or use shuttles/trams/taxis/monorails due to the congestion and overcrowding. If we stay at a DLR resort, is parking free at the parks, ie, like WDW?? Is it even worth driving or should we be at the mercy of a shuttle and rent for the days we are planning on doing non DLR activities.

You pay for parking. In fact, most hotels hit you up in Anaheim for parking fees.. DLR is no different.

Again, the walking is not as bad as WDW, and you can arrange to avoid the parking fee if you just go with transportation to the hotel upon arrival. BUT, when you want to use your "too crowded to enjoy the park" day somewhere else, transportation is a necessity..

Hope this helps.

There are a few of us who know Disneyland in and out, and it IS a different park than WDW. You might as well get used to the idea. Besides, we have Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!

[Andrea]

Breathe!

Originally Posted by hiner

Then they suggest you contact reservations to find out the park hours and happenings a day before you arrive, WHAT, A DAY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE???? ARE THEY NUTS!!!!!!

This is actually a GOOD thing. Because if the hours change, it will be to extend them. You'll want to know if the park is opening an hour earlier than you thought it would.

Originally Posted by hiner

We normally rent a car for WDW and are planning on doing the same for DLR (we are also planning on seeing other things around the area). The guide in so many words basically tells you to walk everywhere or use shuttles/trams/taxis/monorails due to the congestion and overcrowding. If we stay at a DLR resort, is parking free at the parks, ie, like WDW?? Is it even worth driving or should we be at the mercy of a shuttle and rent for the days we are planning on doing non DLR activities.

If you stay at a DLR resort, you won't want to drive to the parks, because you'll still end up taking a shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance. hotels are literally RIGHT THERE. And all of the Good Neighbor hotels are walking distance.

I'd rent from the airport since I don't want to stress about the shuttle, but really, for all of your Disney-oriented stuff, once you're at the resort you won't need the car. It's not even about congestion or crowding. Walking really is the easiest thing to do.

Disneyland is easy. So... from 20 years ago... (hey, I was there for grad night! )... what the real difference? Another park right across from the first, a few more hotels. A parking garage instead of a parking lot.

You've got a great vacation ahead of you!

[daisyd]

Oh you poor thing. I had the same experience planning our first WDW trip! It was hard fo me to grasp what the WDW area looked like, and how big it really is.

I don't know if you have seen anything like this yet Bret's Disneyland Lodging LinkMap take a look at this map. It's not the best arial shot of the area, but it gives you an idea of how much smaller the area is than WDW, and how close things are. They call it a resort area, but it's far from what 'resort area' is in my mind. Walk off property and you are on busy city streets with lots of hotels, restaurants and traffic. No open spaces and sprawling resorts like WDW. Even the 3 Disney owned hotels are not sprawling resorts. They are very nice and definatly have that Disney magic, but it's so not hte same as WDW.

The GN hotels have some standards that are set by Disney that they must fall into (not sure what they are) and since they run from very inexpensive motels to nice full service hotels, it's not an amenenties thing, unless it's a very basic thing.

Some of the smaller GN motels do not charge for parking at the motels, but you will be charged at the parks for parking. Like 626 said, the larger hotels (Marriotts, Sheratons, Hyatts, etc) do charge a daily parking fee, plus you will have to pay for parking at the parks. I *think* AAA has a deal where the parking at the parks is included if you book a package with them, but I'm not sure about that.

I do not know if the DLR 3 properties charge a parking fee (I'm pretty sure they do though) if you are staying there, but you would not be charged to park in the parks structures, BUT that would be silly to drive because the 3 hotels are RIGHT THERE, a very, very easy walk. It would take you twice as long to drive from your resort, park in the structure, take the tram, walk to the gates as it would to just walk to the parks.

Some off site hotels/motels offer their own complimentary shuttles to/from DLR (Candy Cane Inn, The Anaheim Sheraton to name two). There is also a shuttle (ART) that is a pay-for service that will maybe have 6 different properties on it's line to and from the parks. Not sure of the daily cost.

DL will put out it's hours on the calendar on the website, but they are subject to change. Like Andrea said, it would be to extend them. I haven't ever had this happen in all of my DL trips, though.

I hope this helps a bit!

[unamadreditre]

When we stayed at the DLH last year we rented a car from the airport parked it in the parking lot and never laid eyes on it again until we were heading back to the airport. Last year hotel parking was included in the resort fee that was included in our package. We walked or took the monorail from the DLH to the parks everyday. You also walk right through DTD to get to the parks so you really don't need a car unless you are sightseeing outside the resort.

Early Morning Access to Fantasyland was great. All the really popular rides are open and most were walk ons. I wouldn't pass it up on a summer day. We got a lot done those mornings.

[Goofballorama]

Originally Posted by hiner

If you purchase a 3 day hopper pass or more, you get Early Morning Access. This is not just for DLR Resort guests is it? Does that mean it is really, really crowded on the Early Morning Access days?? Is it worth going??

I have tried the early morining access, and it's not crowded. We went on Peter Pan's Flight because it's always crowded, and it was about a 20 minute wait.

[LittleMissMagic]

Unlike WDW and Central Florida, Anaheim is squeezed together. You can walk almost everywhere. We rented a car, to get to the resort and be able to eat at Mickey-D's and drive to Hollywood and LA and such, but you really do not need a car to get to the parks.

GNR have the Disney approval, and receive am EMH on certain days. There are several advantages to staying at a GNR. In many cases, you are nearly as close to the parks as you would be if you stayed at a DLR. You still get early entry on certain days. Many resorts offer discounts on Disney merchandise and park tickets and such. Plus, it is much less expensive. At many hotels, you get complementary breakfast, and views of the park (Desert Palms has wonderful views of CA, to be specific).

If you are going to stay at a GNR, stay at one on the SAME SIDE of the road as DLR. If you get on the opposite side of the street (such as White Castle), you must cross four lanes of heavy traffic. It is very dangerous. Beware of hotels that advertise as "Directly across from main gate." They may be directly across, but you will have to go to a cross walk at the end of the block (unless you do not mind getting hit by a vehicle, that is), cross the road, and then walk the block back to the main gate.

As for the am EMH... we went once, on New Years' Day. It was supposed to open an hour early. Only we ended up waiting in line for thirty minutes, and then they opened the main gates a half hour before park-opening. However, there very likely may have been DLR guests entering from the private resort entrances to CA. It wasn't really crowded at all, though. It was wet and rainy, but we got a lot done. (I am assuming this is because most families stayed out late the night before.)

The thing about DL itself that tripped us up the most was it's many similarities and differences from MK. They are very similar, yet they are nothing alike. Being very comfortable in MK (I believe my father and I could navigate our way around the park blindfolded and backwards), we often attempted shortcuts that did not apply at DL. However, by the end of the week, we had adapted to DL (this later tripped dad up when we went back to MK, lol).

I have noticed that DL doesn't manage its rides and seating nearly as well as WDW does. For instance, we waited in line forever for the little Alice in Wonderland ride, and noticed that they were letting singles have their own cars, when they could sit four. Umm... that's a big no-no at WDW. Yet, on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, they were ride nazis and insisted that I ride in the drivers' seat, instead of my dad. "The kid has to drive." "Umm... I'm 15 years old, thank you. I do not appreciate being called a kid, and I am old enough to drive my own car, so I do not need to pretend." (kidding... I didn't say all of that, although I felt like it)

Some shortcuts, if you'd wish:

- There is a gallery above the Haunted Mansion. It has stairs going up on both sides. You can get from one side of HM to the other without weaving in and out of the crowd if you cross over, using the stairs. You might also want to go into the gallery. It is lovely, and very peaceful and quiet.

oh, great, I forgot... I have a gigantic DL map in the basement, though. I'll come back with more shortcuts.

And don't worry about DL. You'll have fun! Many are disappointed when they go to DL after having been to WDW, but you really can't compare the two resorts. Sure, WDW is bigger and the planning was better thought-out, but DL was first, and ahead of its time, as it is. So don't turn your nose at the 65-foot castle or itty-bitty mainstreet. Instead, rave about the gigantic castle in front of it's a small world. Go in with an open mind, and you'll be sure to come home amazed.

[hiner]

Thank you all for the encouragement and tips. I was feeling overwhelmed while reading on DLR. I usually panic first and then realize things will be fine, of course after some convincing.

I realize DLR is not WDW and they are not the same, it is just going to be very hard to put WDW, which we know so well, out of mind while reading about DLR. We are everything Disney and Disney it will be next year. I look forward to chatting with the DLR Kings and Queens:)

Tonight is dinner and a movie and DH just finished his phone call. Gotta run, we are going to watch Chronicles of Narnia!!!!!!!!

Thanks again,
Kim

[Peppertink]

Originally Posted by LittleMissMagic

Some shortcuts, if you'd wish:

- There is a gallery above the Haunted Mansion. It has stairs going up on both sides. You can get from one side of HM to the other without weaving in and out of the crowd if you cross over, using the stairs. You might also want to go into the gallery. It is lovely, and very peaceful and quiet.

oh, great, I forgot... I have a gigantic DL map in the basement, though. I'll come back with more shortcuts.

And don't worry about DL. You'll have fun! Many are disappointed when they go to DL after having been to WDW, but you really can't compare the two resorts. Sure, WDW is bigger and the planning was better thought-out, but DL was first, and ahead of its time, as it is. So don't turn your nose at the 65-foot castle or itty-bitty mainstreet. Instead, rave about the gigantic castle in front of it's a small world. Go in with an open mind, and you'll be sure to come home amazed.

Lots of useful info! One little thing though...the Gallery you speak of is actually over POC

[WishUponAStar]

Alright, do not freak out. Take it from a WDW east coast veteran... there is NOTHING to freak out about over Disneyland. Actually, as a matter of fact, I find it the COMPLETE opposite. Disneyland is more quaint, laidback, and much more enjoyable with a "take it day by day" attitude. I've stayed off property there and on property and I much prefer the Disneyland hotels versus the GNHs. There is nothing wrong with them but I just prefer to be immersed in the "Disney magic" and the resorts at Disneyland really are beautiful.

In my experience, this will be my 4th trip there the end of this month, the best days REALLY are Monday-Thursday. We've always gone in June and the first trip I made the mistake of going on weekend days... big mistake. TOTALLY PACKED. Ever since we started going during the weekdays it's been great.

One of the biggest differences you should take advantage of is the mornings. On nearly EVERY trip we would feel like the park was pretty empty for about the first 2 hours of opening. We'd go on Indy, Buzz, Matterhorn, Space Mountain with hardly ANY waits at all. Around 10:30 am the people started pouring in but by that time we'd feel a little less anxious "to do everything."

The only things I would "plan" when going to Disneyland is if you have your heart set on a restaurant or a special experience (Like Fantasmic VIP) then call and make those... that's it. Seriously, everything else can be worked around with ease.

It's SO much more laidback than WDW.

[OCEagle87]

Originally Posted by hiner

We are pretty much set on DLR for our major vacation next year and DH bought me the Unofficial Guide to DLR. While a lot of it seems to be the same as the Guide to WDW, it seems DLR is going to be more tricky to plan. I love planning our trips to WDW but I am getting nervous about DLR! I haven't even finished the first chapter and my head is spinning and I am shaking. I keep thinking, "well WDW does it this way, why does DLR do it that way". I am going to have to completely block WDW out of my brain in order to get all the mumbo jumbo down for DLR. Here are a few of my questions and/or concerns.....

DLR has three resorts, BUT, there are the Good Neighbor Resorts. Ok I understand there is no room for DLR to build more resorts, but what makes them a GNR and do you get the same perks as DLR resorts? AND....then there are the passes. If you purchase a 3 day hopper pass or more, you get Early Morning Access. This is not just for DLR Resort guests is it? Does that mean it is really, really crowded on the Early Morning Access days?? Is it worth going??

Crowded and non-crowded days oh my!!!!! It appears the only good day would be Wed. or Thurs., forget the weekends because of the locals, and the summer months make Mon. and Fri. crowded too. Then they suggest you contact reservations to find out the park hours and happenings a day before you arrive, WHAT, A DAY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE???? ARE THEY NUTS!!!!!!

We normally rent a car for WDW and are planning on doing the same for DLR (we are also planning on seeing other things around the area). The guide in so many words basically tells you to walk everywhere or use shuttles/trams/taxis/monorails due to the congestion and overcrowding. If we stay at a DLR resort, is parking free at the parks, ie, like WDW?? Is it even worth driving or should we be at the mercy of a shuttle and rent for the days we are planning on doing non DLR activities.

Ok all, thank you for letting me vent, I have calmed down a little. The book is closed for another day. I am probably over reacting for nothing!!!!! It is almost exactly a year until we go, which I will need to research everything, and I am panicing. Please give me some words of encouragement!!! DH and I were there 20 years ago and it seemed so much easier back then than now.

Thanks,
Kim

Actually, most of the locals in the OC usually hit DLR at night on the weekends. We went on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and it was not too bad crowd wise. The intense crowds are usually during the summer between mid-late June and Labor Day weekend. It has been my experience that most of the OC and LA locals try to get out of town during those holiday weekends.

As far as renting a car, I would strongly suggest it since you can't get around So Cal without one. Besides we have so much more to offer than just DLR. May I suggest a trip to Surf City USA (aka Huntington Beach), Laguna, or Newport? Maybe some shopping at the Irvine Spectrum (I'm biased here since I live in Irvine). Or if your really want to try something different, a nighttime grunion run at one of the local beaches. Check out Grunion.Org for more information. You will need a fishing license for that one.

The Good Neighbor Resorts are pretty decent hotels that Disney gives their stamp of approval on. I can attest that the Candy Cane Inn (a GNR) is one of the best places to stay near DLR. However, if you can get in a DLH or Paradise Pier go for it. Most of the hotels with the GNR stamp are pretty well kept.

If I could make a suggestion about food, try to eat at one of the off site restaurants to lessen the blow on your pocketbook. Jerry's Wood Fired Dogs in Tustin or Santa Ana isn't too bad for fast food. Neither is Tommy's Burgers in Fountain Valley or Westminster (go to the one in FV 'cause the other one is in a bad neighborhood). Get the double chili burger which will fill you up in a pinch. I would suggest The Hat if you like pastrami sandwiches. If you are looking for more sit down places, I could write you up a list of places I would suggest that are reasonably priced by cuisine. I am partial to Mario's International in Stanton (family friend for years) or any of the hole in the wall taquerias in Santa Ana if you like Mexican food. Around the DLR, you can't beat Mimi's or Tilly's for good comfort food.

Other than that, you can do DL in a day unlike WDW and the MK. Save DCa for another day and enjoy the rest of what So Cal has to offer. If you need any more suggestions about the area, feel free to PM me. I grew up here in the OC and know my way around fairly well.