[snowmanz]

We've been to WDW numrous times and never been to DL. Figure might as well visit the mecca on our way to Hawaii (Plan to spend 2 and a half days in DL) honeymoon trip. I have several questions:
1. where do you recommend to stay (off vs on site and where)?
2. since we're limited to 2 days in CA, i want to maximize our experience. Is there a big difference between Magic Kingdom (WDW) and DL? If there's not much of a difference, I'll probably spend more time at DCA.
3. Do you recommend rent a car or just car service?
4. What are the must do's in DL and DCA?

Any inputs will be greatly appreciated :p !!!!!!

[mickey]

1. where do you recommend to stay (off vs on site and where)?

On site for sure. Either the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californain. The Disneyland Hotel is very nice, and many of the rooms have great views of the parks. The Grand Californian is the nicest of the hotels, and reminds me a lot of the Wilderness Lodge at WDW, but more of an arts and crafts style. They are right next to each other, so the location isn't any better at either of them, though the GC has its own entrance to DCA.

2. since we're limited to 2 days in CA, i want to maximize our experience. Is there a big difference between Magic Kingdom (WDW) and DL? If there's not much of a difference, I'll probably spend more time at DCA.

Yes and no. There are quite a few additional rides in Disneyland, such as the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Pinocchio among many others. We were able to do all of the rides in DCA in one day, so as long as it isn't too crowded, you should be able to as well. I would spend one day in each park, you should get a good feel for each park in that amount of time.

3. Do you recommend rent a car or just car service?

You wont need a car at Disneyland, everything is within a 5 minute walk, unless you want to go off site. Parking is free for resort guests at the hotels, so that won't cost you anything. It might be simpler for you to just get a car service to drive you there and pick you up, and you won't have to worry about traffic.

4. What are the must do's in DL and DCA?

Disneyland: The mountains, Space, Splash and Big Thunder, Pirates of the Caribbean (different than WDW), Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad and the Matterhorn. Oh, also the monorail, since it leaves from by the Disneyland hotel, and does a big tour of the park. I nice way to get an idea of the park, though you miss the walk down Main Street since you get off in Tomorrowland. DCA: California Screamin', Soarin' over California, Grizzly River Run and the Sun Wheel (ride in one of the moving cars, it will freak you out!) Golden Dreams, the movie, is also very good. I would suggest going directly to Soarin' over California, and then going directly to California Screamin'. They usually have the two longest lines, but if you do them first thing, you should walk right on.

[teresadisney]

:dazed THE SUN WHEEL--I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT THE SUN WHEEL:dazed

my kids still laugh their heads off about it though!:laugh

[trishb]

Hawaii!!! Wow!!!

I visited DL a few years ago, when it was just DL. It was a holiday, so it was VERY crowded. The same attractions are different, and you will love the differences. Except the castle. I was so disappointed at the size. Oh, and you have to go on Temple of the Forbidden Eye (Indiana Jones adventure like Dinosaur!)

Try to get your hands on the WDTreasures DVD about Disneyland. I just watched it the last few days (it was a Christmas present). It will give you a new appreciation of everything Disney and give you a sneak peak at the layout and attractions. (Think Magic Kingdom)

[trishb]

DON'T Drive in LA if you don't have to! Go for the car sevice and stay on site!

We drove there and stayed in Ananheim..and we got lost for hours trying to find our way around at night. Plus, the LA highway system is brutal if you don't know what you are doing.

There is nothing relaxing or fun about it.:devil

[snowmanz]

Thanks for all the helpful tips! I cant wait to go on the classic rides that are no longer in WDW - Wild Toad, Matterhorn, Electric Parade. Im defintely using the car service and staying on-site. Just didnt realize how expensive the on-site hotel was (averaging between $200-$300). I was hoping they have something similar to All Stars Resort in WDW.

[teresadisney]

You will LOVE the GC! It is by far one of our favorite hotels! It is also soooo convenient to the downtown disney area (I forgot--do they call it downtown disney?)

Have a great trip!

[mickey]

Originally posted by snowmanz
I was hoping they have something similar to All Stars Resort in WDW.

Just keep your eyes peeled for discounts. We only paid $109 per night for the Disneyland Hotel in February, so it is possible.

[snowmanz]

Originally posted by mickey
Just keep your eyes peeled for discounts. We only paid $109 per night for the Disneyland Hotel in February, so it is possible.

Mickey, did you use a discount code for your reservation? Do you know when the March 2003 discount codes are being released? Since I have 2 more months to go, how long should I wait for a better rate? Sorry for the question overload.

[disney1230]

Snowmanz,

I just got back from Anaheim and stayed at the Embassy Suites Garden Grove. This hotel is only a few blocks (3-4) from Disneyland. We had a rate of $89 per night. It's a new hotel/Suite with Free breakfast and happy hour.

If your budget doesn't allow you to stay on-site, this is a very good option in my opinion.

Have fun on your trip!

[mickey]

Originally posted by snowmanz
Mickey, did you use a discount code for your reservation? Do you know when the March 2003 discount codes are being released? Since I have 2 more months to go, how long should I wait for a better rate? Sorry for the question overload.

No, Disneyland operates a little differently, and they don't release codes. They do have specials every once and a while, but I don't know of any for March. Right now the best prices I could find were $400 per night at the Grand Californian and $350 per night at the Disneyland Hotel. These include all taxes, plus a 5 day park hopper and some other stuff. A 5 day hopper is $119 and a single day single park is $45.

You could wait, since the price isn't really going to go up much more, if at all. You could also check some of the online travel sites, they often have rooms to the Disneyland resorts at good deals, but usually only during slow times of the year. By the way, if you were interested in staying at one of the good neighbor hotels, the Crown Plaza is brand new, or the Hyatt Regency, both are basically across the street from the parks, and they are only $240 per night, including tickets.

[snowmanz]

disney1230,
Sounds like you had a great deal including free breakfast. Im definitely considering off site since my budget is pretty low from Hawaii. But I really do want to stay on-site and get that Disney magic. On the other hand, it seems that most of the local hotels are walking distance to DL. Dilemas Dilemas.... Thanks for the tip!

Mickey,
Once again, you were very helpful.

[mmouse67l]

If you are staying off-site, I would recommend the Park Place Inn as far as being close to Disneyland. You just cross the street and you will be at the shuttle drop-off area which is right near the entrance.

[snowmanz]

mmouse67l,
Thanks for the tip. I just found a affordable rate for Paradise Pier through Expedia ($105/night compare to Disney quote of $180 w/discount club).

Does anybody know how much car service cost from LAX to DisneyLand? Has anybody stay at paradise pier before?

[snowmanz]

Forgot to include this question to my last thread: How's the weather in Southern Cali for the end of March and early April?:)