Planning a trip to Disneyland

[Mom2JTSJ]

After our little 2 day trip to Seattle, dh and I are thinking about taking the kids to Disneyland. We could drive there, but it would be a 2 day trip. Can anyone give me any recommendations on hotels, sights, prices? Any little inside tips would be appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!!

[carlislehomemom]

there are TONS of hotels that are right next to the parks and not disney, like Days Inn, Hilton, etc...stay in one of those. Otherwise the two parks and downtown disney will keep you busy for two days. If you were staying longer I'd suggest maybe going towards the ocean or to Knotts Berry Farm. Orange County Airport is a good one to fly into and they have hotel shuttle services to almost ALL the hotels near disneyland.

[Mom2JTSJ]

Thanks Sarah! We are thinking of going in November. Is that a good time?

[Deanna]

We have been there a number of times as we love Disneyland. My first suggestion is that it is very difficult if not impossible to see all of it in 2 days. Our shortest stay was 5 days and we went to Disneyland, Sea World and a Mighty Ducks Hockey game( We are Canadian after all )Lol We found that it is best to go to the park in the morning and in the evening. We would go back to the hotel in the afternoon and nap/quiet time.
We stayed at a nice hotel called Cambridge Inn and Suites. they have a fantastic complimentary breakfast that had way more than your usual muffins and juice. We also had a one bedroom suite with a kitchen. This was great for making lunches to take to the park (saves money) and you can cook light suppers or make snacks. They also offer a free shuttle to the park and back.
Hope some of this is helpful if you have any other questions let me know if I can help.

[carlislehomemom]

november is a great time to go......just bring a light sweatshirt for evening time........go BEFORE thanksgiving week

[Bridget in AZ]

We love going to Disneyland!! We've been there the last 3 Octobers in a row. But, I don't think we'll go again this year, dh can't take the time off of work :(.

Anyway, we always stay at Homewood Suites (Hilton property). It has 2 room suites with a full kitchen. It's awesome. We don't make a lot of food but it is nice to have. They offer a full breakfast, eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, waffle makers (make your own), cereal, yogurt, cereal, everything you want! We always fill up with protein that way we don't really have to eat again until late afternoon. They also offer a dinner which I think we've only had one time, we aren't done at Disney by then.

My suggestion with tickets is to buy them online and have them shipped (free usually) to your house. I don't suggest waiting in the will call line, our friends waited an hour last year :eek:

Our best trip was when we spent 3 days with park hopper passes. One day at Disney, one at California Adventure and the final day whereever we had the most fun :)

You can bring in a cooler but not a big one so I suggest you bring in drinks. We've also brought sandwiches, it worked out great. We usually bring some snack bars but we also buy snacks at the park. If you are bringing in a stroller (I don't remember the ages of your kids) then it is always easy to bring in food. Otherwise it isn't always worth the hassle.

We have ridden a bus from our hotel and we've driven. We prefer to drive & pay for parking. That way we put extra warmer clothes in the car for the evening or if someone rides a water ride we can go out and change. Not too big of a bother :)

You will love Disney in November (but agreeing, don't go over Thanksgiving!), it could be chilly. So make sure you have extra warm clothes!

Have fun!! Keep us posted on the trip!!! :)

[Susan]

Well Connie I live like 2 miles from Disneyland, so my suggestion is to come and see me!!!! LOL!!! You may want to look for a hotel in Fullerton, Orange or Garden Grove. These cities are right next to Anaheim and you may be able to get a cheaper rate. Make sure you ask about shuttle services, but we have great public transportation also!!! Also when you go to eat (outside of Disneyland) try to go away from Disneyland, all the restraunts by Disneyland have higher prices!! When it gets closer I can give you more specific directions to some cheaper places to eat that are very close. Also there is a Disney outlet in Anaheim, it's a great place to get the kids stuff and it's discounted. I can let you know how to get there also!!! Let's see, if you need any specific questions answere feel free to pm me or email me!!!! Oh and November will be wonderful, good weather, and like Sarah said a little chilly in the evening!!!

[Mom2JTSJ]

Goodness! Thank you all so much! I think I will print out this thread and *work* off of it as I am planning. I'll keep you posted. Any other tips, just keep 'em coming. :)