DLR vs. WDW

[jonsmom]

Hi

While watching a Travel Channel special yesterday, my husband decided we should try DLR instead of WDW.

Knowing absolutely NOTHING about DLR, I am looking for some expert advise.

When is the best time to travel?

Is Summer generally humid, hot, crowded?

Which hotel do you prefer?

How many days in each park?

Which airport to fly into?

WDW offers Magical Express to resorts, does DLR offer this as well?

Thanks, any and all info is appreciated.

[luvdiznee]

When we went to DLR it was in May and Oct. Weather was great both times not too hot or too cold. We never stayed on site but we were directly across from DLR. As far as their onsite resorts, they only have 3. I believe we flew into "John Wayne" international airport, in Anaheim. I could be wrong as far as the name but I know we did fly into Anaheim. IMO, 2 days at DL and 1 day at the Cali Park is enough. We did other things in California, so we did have a rental car for those things. As well as getting to and from the airport.

[AZ Disney]

Hello,
Disneyland is a wonderful place, but in many ways different than WDW. Since you'll be travelling across the country, I would suggest trying to do more than Disney since the Southern CA region is a great place.

When is the best time to travel? - After Labor Day up until mid December, mid January-early March.

Is Summer generally humid, hot, crowded? Not humid, but hot and crowded.

Which hotel do you prefer? We always stay off-site at DLR, such as Hampton Inn Suites in Garden Grove or one of the Embassy Suites.

How many days in each park? Really depends on time of year, but if you go in the suggested off season that I mentioned above you could completely cover both parks with 3day park hoppers.

Which airport to fly into? LAX, Ontario, or Orange County.

WDW offers Magical Express to resorts, does DLR offer this as well? Don't believe so, but you would definitly want a rent a car. Anaheim has a bus service to the parks that is really great (ART), something like that and it works great, but you'd still want a car.

Other reccomeded Excursions:

Beach (so many to choose from)
Hollywood Area
Universal Studios Hollywood
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Wild Animal Park
Legoland

Costco sells this combo ticket:
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Southern California CityPass® Information:

Ages: 3 - 9 (Child) $174
Ages: 10 and up (Adult) $217
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1-day admission ticket to SeaWorld Adventure Park® San Diego
1-day admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo® or San Diego Zoo® Wild Animal Park
1-day admission ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood™©
Booklet expires 14 days past date of first use
First day of use must occur by January 5, 2009

[NotaGeek]

When we went to DLR it was in May and Oct. Weather was great both times not too hot or too cold. We never stayed on site but we were directly across from DLR. As far as their onsite resorts, they only have 3. I believe we flew into "John Wayne" international airport, in Anaheim. I could be wrong as far as the name but I know we did fly into Anaheim. IMO, 2 days at DL and 1 day at the Cali Park is enough. We did other things in California, so we did have a rental car for those things. As well as getting to and from the airport.

Be sure and check the top of this forum for some really good travel ideas put together by your hard working Moderators. Also, if you search this forum you will find lots of answers to your questions. The Trip Report thread might also give you some good insight.

[BrerGnat]

When is the best time to travel?

Is Summer generally humid, hot, crowded?

Crowded. YES!!! Hot?...warm is more like it. It occasionally gets heat wave hot (like 95-100) but in general, highs in Anaheim in June, July, and August average 85. Humidity is non existent to people who are coming from the east coast.



Which hotel do you prefer?

I prefer the Grand Californian. I figure, if you are going to make such a long trip, you might as well do it all out. I have stayed at the GCH twice and the Paradise Pier once. The PP hotel was acceptable, but inconvenient to the parks (a LOONG walk). I hear the DLH is great, but I personally don't like how most of the amenities are located in a central courtyard and there are three buildings with rooms. Too much in and out for me. We like to keep it simple, but we have very young kids (1 and 3 years old) so convenience is #1 for us. We are lucky enough to live about 10 minutes away, though, so the hotel stays are something we do as a real treat just once in awhile.

How many days in each park?

For a first timer, especially if you are thinking of the summer, you need to give yourself about 4 full days there to be able to see/do everything JUST at DLR. Sure, you can knock out the headliners in a day , but you will really miss out if you skip over all the unique entertainment at DLR.

Which airport to fly into?

SNA (John Wayne Orange County). It's the closest and it's easiest to get to DLR from this airport. It is located in Santa Ana, NOT Anaheim as someone previously posted. There is no airport in Anaheim. SNA is approx 15 min from DLR. There is a Disneyland Express bus available from the airport to DLR. This bus is also available from LAX (Los Angeles). LAX is about 30-45 min from DLR, depending on traffic.

WDW offers Magical Express to resorts, does DLR offer this as well?

See above. I don't think they do the whole luggage collection thing, but there definitely IS a bus from the airport to the DLR. I am not sure it's free though.

[jonsmom]

Be sure and check the top of this forum for some really good travel ideas put together by your hard working Moderators. Also, if you search this forum you will find lots of answers to your questions. The Trip Report thread might also give you some good insight.

I am having some difficulty finding the travel ideas on this board.

Not meaning to compare, but the WDW boards have more info and seem to be posted frequently.

Thank you all for the great advice. Its very overwhelming & I feel like I am going to a different country.

I like the pass that they sell at Costco. That sounds perfect.

[Melanie]

I am having some difficulty finding the travel ideas on this board.

Not meaning to compare, but the WDW boards have more info and seem to be posted frequently.

Michael is referring to the stickied threads at the top of this forum, regarding weather and crowd patterns. There is a lot of great information in these threads.

We are aware of the need to update the Disneyland information. There will hopefully be some progress soon and Disneyland section will be just as accessible, up-to-date and informative as the WDW section.

[NotaGeek]

I am having some difficulty finding the travel ideas on this board.

Not meaning to compare, but the WDW boards have more info and seem to be posted frequently.

Thank you all for the great advice. Its very overwhelming & I feel like I am going to a different country.

I like the pass that they sell at Costco. That sounds perfect.

Crowd Estimates
Weather

The best part of going to DLR is that it IS like a completely different country. It's very relaxed (for the most part), it's a quick walk between the 2 parks or any of the hotels at the DLR (and many of the Good Neighbor hotels) and it's small enough that's NOT overwhelming. Just breathe ... it's going to be fine!

[jonsmom]

Michael is referring to the stickied threads at the top of this forum, regarding weather and crowd patterns. There is a lot of great information in these threads.

We are aware of the need to update the Disneyland information. There will hopefully be some progress soon and Disneyland section will be just as accessible, up-to-date and informative as the WDW section.

Thank you - I will do some more looking around. You know how it is when you get used to other boards.

[jonsmom]

Crowd Estimates
Weather

The best part of going to DLR is that it IS like a completely different country. It's very relaxed (for the most part), it's a quick walk between the 2 parks or any of the hotels at the DLR (and many of the Good Neighbor hotels) and it's small enough that's NOT overwhelming. Just breathe ... it's going to be fine!

So, are you saying, its more laid back that WDW? That actually would be a nice change.

I did read some positive reviews on The Candy Cane Inn. It looks very nice, not too expensive and it includes breakfast.

Is there a DDP at Disneyland? I tried to get some prices on the Disneyland website, but was confused by their offerings of 3, 4 , 5 day meal plans. What does that include?

Character breakfasts are more?

Transportation to hotels is not included either I gather?

How far away would Universal Studios be?

Is it neccessary to rent a car?

Thanks

[Melanie]

So, are you saying, its more laid back that WDW? That actually would be a nice change.

Most definitely! It's such a nice change of pace.

I did read some positive reviews on The Candy Cane Inn. It looks very nice, not too expensive and it includes breakfast.

I've heard only good reviews on the Candy Cane. I'd suggest searching in the Accomodations forum for related threads. We've also stayed at the Fairfield Inn Anaheim. Very nice, very close (easy walk) and reasonable rates. On site, I prefer the Disneyland Hotel, especially for first time visitors.

Is there a DDP at Disneyland? I tried to get some prices on the Disneyland website, but was confused by their offerings of 3, 4 , 5 day meal plans. What does that include?

I don't know a lot of information on the Dining Plan Disneyland offers, but I do know that I've heard time and again that it's not worth it. I'm sure others will come along with more information.

Character breakfasts are more?

Yes, they tend to cost a bit more than at WDW.

Transportation to hotels is not included either I gather?

No, it's not included. I recommend the Disneyland Express, operated by Gray Line.

How far away would Universal Studios be?

Is it neccessary to rent a car?

If you are wanting to do a lot of sightseeing outside of the Disneyland Resort, it would probably be a good idea to rent a car. I don't have a lot of experience with this since I tend to go straight to the resort then don't leave the area the entire time.

There are many, many differences in planning a trip to WDW and Disneyland. The resorts operate independently of each other. Asking your questions here is a great start!

[jonsmom]

Unlike going to WDW, where we never need to rent a car, everything we need to see is right there, there seems to be an awful lot of other things to see/do in that area. Maybe renting a car after we visit Disneyland would be a great idea.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions-you have been so helpful.

[Aisling]

You asked about Universal Studios and how far it is, I would say about 45 minutes with traffic. Of course, if you drive in L.A. then you need to expect traffic at any time of day and/or night.

San Diego is about an hour and fifteen minutes to your south,

If you are just going to the parks, I wouldn't rent a car, but if you want to venture out, you'll do well to have one.

And I agree with (I think Melanears) that Disneyland is very laid back. Casual Southern California. We try not to take ourselves too seriously here and just have a good time.

My favorite time of year for weather is in October. Cool days and beautiful blue skies. From January to March it's nice, but the weather is tricky. It might be overcast all day and gloomy, or rainy. We get most of our rain in those few months. June is also gloomy (hence the moniker, June Gloom) and lately it seems that July is getting gloomy too. August is just horrid. Why people travel here and go to Disneyland in August is beyond me. Too hot, too crowded, too sticky. Yuck. (just a side note here, I live on the coast so anything over mid-70's is hot to me).

Now, if you can swing it, come out in the early part of December. That's my favorite time to go to the parks. All the decorations are up, it isn't crowded, the weather is great and it just puts you into such a fabulous mood for the holidays! Disneyland at Christmas is too magical for words.

A word on the hotels, GCH is my all-time favorite, but pricey so it's a 'special treat' to stay there. If you stay on-site, get rooms at the Disneyland Hotel. Even if you come in December, the pools are heated and fun to play around in and the decorations are very Disney. GCH is more 'rustic cabin' and not as Mickey Disney. A higher-up room in the, I think it's called the Magic tower now (used to be Sierra) facing Downtown Disney is awesome. You can see Disneyland, hear cool funky music late into the night and watch people stroll Downtown Disney. Don't bother with the Paradise Pier. It's fun and beachy, but too far away.

Hope this helps (and makes sense!) I've never been to WDW so I can't compare, but from what I've seen on the Travel Channel, it looks like WDW is huge and like a giant city all around itself. DL is tiny in comparison and smack in the middle of a city. When friends and family visit, I get a lot of, wow, it's just right there off the freeway! I think they expect to be off the beaten track, which it's not. But once inside the park, or at the hotels or DTD, you completely forget that half a block away is the convention center and a teeming mass of humanity!

Have fun and enjoy your trip!

[Melanie]

Don't bother with the Paradise Pier. It's fun and beachy, but too far away.

This I will respectfully disagree with. I've always enjoyed my stays there, and don't think it's too far away at all. I honestly don't understand when folks say that, but everyone has their opinions. It's Disney - I expect to walk.

[NotaGeek]

You can see Disneyland, hear cool funky music late into the night and watch people stroll Downtown Disney. Don't bother with the Paradise Pier. It's fun and beachy, but too far away.

Too far away?

Paradise Pier is actually the same distance from everything, including the other hotels at DLR. It's a great option for those that want a less expensive chance to try a Disneyland Resort Hotel. It has WONDERFUL views of California Adventure.

For great hotels off resort, check out the Ramada Inn Maingate, The Best Western Park Place Inn and The Fairfield Inn Disney. They are all right across the street from the main entrance of the park, and technically the Best Western is closer to the front gate than any of the Disneyland Resort Hotels.

[BrerGnat]

Too far away?

Paradise Pier is actually the same distance from everything, including the other hotels at DLR. It's a great option for those that want a less expensive chance to try a Disneyland Resort Hotel. It has WONDERFUL views of California Adventure.

Uh, I have to agree that it's TOO far away!

I'm gonna be difficult, though, and say that I also think the DLH is too far away! Of course it's not LITERALLY a long distance, but at the end of the day, it's like choosing to walk back to the parking structure or taking the tram when you are visiting for the day. Which one are you going to do? For the record, the parking structure is practically same distance from the main gate as the Paradise Pier hotel is and that's a LONG walk on tired feet. We stayed there and also at the GCH and the ability to be in your hotel room in less than 5 minutes from leaving the park is worth a LOT to us! Everyone is different, though, and I agree that if the distance thing is not an issue for you, the PPH is a fabulous place to stay on property. I think it's a great bargain, actually. The rooms are HUGE and it certainly has some excellent views.

[Melanie]

Ok then, I'll say that the amount of money you pay to stay at the Grand Californian is not worth a shorter walk for me, since that's about the only advantage I see to staying there. One can enjoy the restaurants, bar and shop without staying there, and that's fine with me. And one can use the exclusive entrance as a guest of either Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier. The room I went in was way small, and have no desire to stay in a room overlooking Downtown Disney. I just don't think I'll ever be sold on Grand Californian unless the price comes down, and we all know that won't happen.

[Aisling]

When I said PPH was too far away, I meant from all the action in Downtown Disney! One of the things my family loves most about staying in one of the hotels is that we are right there in the action. We've had rooms that overlooked the park at GCH and also rooms that overlooked the pool at DLH and we just prefer the DTD rooms. Just our thing, I guess. Everything at Disneyland is a walk, so I didn't mean distance. We had a room at the PPH where we could open our window and see and hear the Electrical Parade every night and that was fun, but we felt detached from the action. That's what I meant. Sorry for the confusion.

[BrerGnat]

Ok then, I'll say that the amount of money you pay to stay at the Grand Californian is not worth a shorter walk for me, since that's about the only advantage I see to staying there. One can enjoy the restaurants, bar and shop without staying there, and that's fine with me. And one can use the exclusive entrance as a guest of either Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier. The room I went in was way small, and have no desire to stay in a room overlooking Downtown Disney. I just don't think I'll ever be sold on Grand Californian unless the price comes down, and we all know that won't happen.

True, true. I, of course, speak as someone who just paid $279/night at GCH for a concierge deluxe room (AP rate)...I guess my idea of "value" is not realistic for everyone. The rack rate for that same room was $580 and you can bet your bottom dollar that I would NEVER pay that amount!

It's just hard to have a negative opinion of the GCH when you are fortunate enough to score such a good rate on a room there. I really do feel that the GCH has come a long way since a few years ago, when we first stayed there. Back then, I would have called the GCH overpriced and overhyped, but they have really stepped up the quality of the rooms and service as of late.

Our recent stay in October was the best experience we've ever had at ANY Disney hotel, period. The price we paid was icing on the cake.

[Carol]

So, are you saying, its more laid back that WDW?

Oh my goodness - yes!!

I went to Disneyland for the first time last year. We live in New York and own points in the Disney Vacation Club at Walt Disney World. I like to go to Disney twice a year - so it only makes sense to vacation on the east coast.

One of the things on my 'to do list' before I was obsolete was to visit Walt's original park. (I am not a fan of flying long distances - so this took awhile. ) I made it happen last year. You can read my trip report here.

I was blown away - so much so I returned this summer with my youngest son. AND I have 2 trips planned for 2008.

The relaxed pace, entertainment and closeness to everything is awesome. I was there for 8 days the first trip and returned for another 8 days this last time. We stayed on-site and never left the property. We found plenty to do - it's called relaxing ...... and loving the the Billys and Miners.

We utilized the Disneyland Express bus service. (Mel provided you with the link) and flew into LAX. John Wayne is not an option for me with my airport. I like to fly nonstop and that's not possible unless I go into LAX. I was nervous flying into such a large airport - but it was not a problem at all.

I do not think any walking at Disneyland is far and would not hesitate to stay at Paradise Pier. Everything(place) is a hop-skip-jump compared to what you do at WDW. My feet were very happy in California. I have to wear sneakers at WDW or my feet ache. Not so at Disneyland. I wore sandals every/all day.

My first 2 visits I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and LOVED it. I'll be staying at the Grand Californian in April - simply because I can use my DVC points. I have a feeling I'll be missing the Disneyland Hotel though. We'll see.


About the weather during the summer. It was bearable for this northeastern gal. The parks can feel very hot because of the concrete.

I'll be honest with you. I was in Walt Disney World mid October and it was dreadfully hot and humid. I kept thinking I wanted to be in Disneyland. In fact - I have no WDW trip planned in the near future. When I go back to Florida - it will be during the winter. I'm looking west for now.