[krafty]

I haven't been to Disneyland since 1978, and my wife has never been there. I'd like to plan a surprise trip for her sometime in the near future that would include staying on-property (probably Grand Californian). Most likely we would not go anywhere else except the Disney properties while we're there.

How many days would you folks suggest for a trip like this? I'd like at least one full day for each park (although from what I hear of DCA, we could probably do it in less) plus some relaxation time and a visit to DTD.

Oh yeah, and would you suggest LAX or Orange Co. airport?

[ilvminnie]

Rafikiman & I spent 4 nights at the Grand Californian in May. We didn't do anything else while we were there...and even went back to DL for an additional day at the end of our trip. It was just the 2 of us so we took our time, strolled around, did our favorite rides over & over, had some wonderful, romantic meals & just spent time together. Make sure you try to get a dinner at the Vineyard Room at CA & the Blue Bayou in MK. Both are wonderful....

[mickey]

I think 4 nights is optimal. You can easliy do the two parks in two days, but you won't hit everything. Disneyland is similar to the Magic Kingdom, with 10 extra rides. We usually take 3 days to do both parks, but it would be nice to have some downtime to swim, shop, eat, etc. I will be there in September, and will spend 3 days in the parks.

[Disneywife]

You'd need at least 3 full days, preferably four, and fly into Orange County if you can!

1-2 days at Disneyland, 1 day at California Adventure (I don't think you could do it in half a day unless you skip a lot), 1 day for rest & relaxation and Downtown Disney. The Grand Californian is a beautiful hotel - very similar to the Wildnerness Lodge. Definitely eat at the Napa Rose while you're there. The food is some of the best I've had, ever.

[anaheimboy]

I would strongly suggest 4 nice days to spend at the resort. That way you can have 1 full day in each park, A day for other disney fun and exploring and the last day to ride a few more rides and do some last bit exploring before you leave. And yes you must eat at the Napa Rose - Wonderful resturaunt! I personally would fly into LAX but thats just me. But hey if you can possibly fly into Orange County that would be great and you would have a shorter ride from the airport to your hotel.

[inluvwithdisney]

To see it all and do most of everything I would say 4 days for sure!!! If you want to have some time for the resort I might possibly add one more day to that!!!

[inluvwithdisney]

Just reread your post!!! Go for Orange Co if at all possible!!! I absolutely hate LAX!!! Not a fun or friendly airport in any sense of the word!!!!
Do not rule out Ontario!!! It is about the same distance as LAX from the other side and sometimes has some great deals!!!

[anaheimboy]

Yes I will have to aggree with inluvwithdisney, I would try to land in Orange County if possible. :-)

[cincibar]

One of my relatives who lives in CA suggested Long Beach airport -- is this the same as Orange County? (Just thinking ahead for a future trip myself!) Also, are there shuttle services or car services to the DL resorts from the airports if someone doesn't want to rent a car? Thanks for any feedback!

[anaheimboy]

yup...there are real nice bus services from some airports to the resort (im not sure which airports though). And these busses have special Disneyland prints on them...really cool looking!

[cincibar]

Good to know. Thanks, anaheimboy15!

[anaheimboy]

sure no problem....always glad to give info on any Disney Theme Park! :-)

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by cincibar

One of my relatives who lives in CA suggested Long Beach airport -- is this the same as Orange County?

No, those are two different airports.

[anaheimboy]

One is bigger than the other and their in different cities. -One in Long Beach and one in Orange County.

[cincibar]

Which one is actually closer to DL? Or maybe it doesn't matter that much? I think I remember hearing Jet Blue (one possibility for us) flies into Long Beach but I can't quite remember. Of course, we probably won't be going for a few years, but it's never too early to do some planning, right?!?!?!