Disneyland and LA/Anaheim

[Warks]

With the family we're doing the trip to Canada (YVR and BC/Alberta) in September October this year. At present it looks like we'll fly directly to YVR (currently around $7500 for all of us) and do a side trip to LAX at the end of the trip.

This thread from a bit over a year ago had some great info on both Disneyland (California) and Disney World (Florida).
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/disneyland-or-disneyworld-11118.html

We won't be going to Orlando this time although I'd love to. Have been to Kennedy Space Centre twice (and saw a rocket launch) and also got to Disney MGM Studios at Orlando when I was at a conference some years ago.

We've (me & the better 'alf) went to Disneyland some 10 or so years ago back before kids. We're keen to do it again with the youngsters who will be 10 and 9 at the time.

I'm looking at 5 days with an early flight in from YVR and late flight out of LAX (to connect with very late flight out of YVR to SYD. Alaskan Air has packages than run up until June 16 at present for return airfares, accommodation in Anaheim and some deal on Disney hopper tickets (adults at kids' prices I think - not that kids are much cheaper than adults anyway). I'm hoping they'll reveal some deals for October in due course.

What I'm looking for is advice on good hotels near Disney - we stayed in a bit of a shocker all those years ago so want to avoid that. Also want to look at what else to do apart from Disney and California Adventure. Go to Universal Studios? Knotts Berry Farm (or is that for teenagers?) San Diego Zoo? I don't plan on driving.
Also want to do some outlet shopping (which is fantastic in Orlando by the way)

Thanks team.

 

[file51]

My personal fav's are Marriott Courtyard on Harbor (directly opposite the main gate - also next door to McDonalds and Mimi's in the carpark (awesome breakfasts)) plus the Holiday Inn Express on Katella (right next door to the new GardenWalk shopping area and restuarant precinct).

If budget is not an issue then the Grand Californian is fantastic, especially on the concierge level.

 

[docjames]

Have been to Knott's berry Farm (when aged 12!) and can say it was great, but there's probably not much point if you're going to Disneyland (we had fly in am, out PM so did that for the day rather than disneyland which is too massive for single short day!).

There's about a million hotels near Disneyland, i cant remember where we stayed, this time aged ~ 15 (?hilton is ringing a bell), but of course >15yrs ago so not that helpful now.

Universal studios was great and worth doing (we did on the second trip), a day before the "backdraft" feature burnt down (oh the irony).

Going to be a bit of a struggle to do all this without driving.

If your kids are into sport, the baseball is always fun (no need to stay to the end as the game takes forever, but then they can say they've been).

 

[NM]

A few random thoughts:

• At Disney, a 10yo is considered an adult for the purpose of entry tickets :shock:
• Read up about Fast Pass tickets and maximise your use of them when at Disneyland and California Adventure. They are great for ensuring you get to do what you want to do and not spend all day in queues.
• Universal Studios is great, but quite a long way from Anaheim area, so if not driving you need to find an easy way to get there. Many hotels will be able to arrange for a tour pickup for you, but it won't be cheap.
• I have twice used Best Western hotels near Disneyland and both times been very happy with them. You probably won't be spending much time in the hotel anyway.
• Have not been to Knotts Berry Farm so can't comment about that.

 

[lampardcl]

We stayed at the Park Vue Inn May 2008.Location is fanatstic right on the cross walk .Room price includes continetal breakfast, but keep in mind this is a moderate hotel,I would diffently stay again. We booked on line with expedia.com.au. My husband and i didnt really enjoy knotts berry farm, its looking very tired, i would have rather just spent the day at disney, But in saying that my children enjoyed the day, You can get some great holiday planning advice on the disneyland dis boards.

 

[Maca44]

I have stayed at the Carousel Inn a couple of times over the past few years and although a budget hotel, its in a great location on Harbor and within 10 mins walk of the main gate. This site might also help you to select a hotel and also give you an idea of what is about. Anaheim California Hotel Aerial Location Photo and Reservation System

 

[Travel Guru]

I'm a fan of the Crowne Plaza Anaheim myself, a bit more upmarket, fantastic service and very comfortable beds.

Aside from Disneyland, I hear Lego Land is worth a visit along with the aforementioned Knotts Berry.

There are some outlet malls around 10 mins drive from the Crowne Plaza located in the O.C., the concierge should be able to direct you to them.

I'd definitely do a day at Universal as well, always good fun.

Hope that helps
TG

 

[NM]

Aside from Disneyland, I hear Lego Land is worth a visit ...

I loved Lego Land. But then again, I was brought up with Lego and spent many, many hours building everything from aeroplanes to cities as a kid. If the kids are into Lego, then its a great day out. If you are not a real Lego fan, then it could be boring. There is a lot more to Lego Land than just looking at static model displays. We saw one of the best ventriloquists I have even seen (heard??) at Lego Land.

Its located at Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. Its about an 60-90 mins drive from Anaheim.

 

[drron]

I loved Lego Land. But then again, I was brought up with Lego and spent many, many hours building everything from aeroplanes to cities as a kid. If the kids are into Lego, then its a great day out. If you are not a real Lego fan, then it could be boring. There is a lot more to Lego Land than just looking at static model displays. We saw one of the best ventriloquists I have even seen (heard??) at Lego Land.

Its located at Carlsbad, just north of Dan Diego. Its about an 60-90 mins drive from Anaheim.

Just wondering who Dan Diego is.must be famous.
I was just about to post when this came up and was going to say a day trip to Carlsbad-not only Legoland but close by is one of the areas better Outlet malls.
Now mrsdrron has a black belt in shopping.We have been to countless outlet malls-more than most Americans.For the better ones around LA you really need a car-just makes it so much more convenient and ends up cheaper than the alternatives.Dont worry about the LA freeways as the transit lanes are for cars with 2+ passengers and you usually whizz by all the stalled single occupant vehicles.
To search outlets this is a good site-
Welcome To Outlet Bound - Online Guide To Factory Outlet Stores & Outlet Centers
From Anaheim the best bet is Ontario Mills as it is large with a lot of good names.It is also close to the Desert Hills Outlets another large upmarket centre.Both close to Palm Springs-visit a date farm or a golf course!
North of LA it would be the Camarillo outlets.
For hotels there is just so much of a choice-what price you get will determine where you stay.When we have stayed we have used the hilton chain-the Hilton garden inn is usually very reasonable,large rooms and the 2 bedded rooms have queen beds so not so squeezy.When we stayed there with family they had a deal of full American Breakfast for 4 people for an extra $US12 per night plus kids under 12 ate free-so the family of 5 all had brekkie for $12.Was about $US120 all up.Always remember you can often get an AAA discount on any of the chain properties if you are in RACQ,NRMA etc.

 

[NM]

Just wondering who Dan Diego is.must be famous.

Well at least this time it was an adjacent key on the keyboard

 

[trooper]

Disnyland AND Universal Studios?

Seriously - Driving would be a good option....

..and - dependent on your kids gender/interests one place I keep going back to (not too far from Universal) is "The Nethercutt Collection"

(www.nethercuttcollection.org IIRC)

"Functional art" is one description... absolutely CLASSIC cars.. and lots of them.. all sorts of self playing musical instruments etc.... Endowed by a guy who made his money in cosmetics of all things... everything in the collection WORKS.. the cars are all driven occasionally at least.. and tend to take honours in concours events...

What would I give to drive the Duesenberg "Twenty grand"....:shock:

9 & 10 MAY be a bit young for that.. but I have seen school groups there.. so?????

 

[crow]

My wife and 2 kids ( now 9 & 7) stayed at Howard Johnson Anaheim in April 2007. Close to Mimi's , McDonalds and less than 10 mins walk to the Disneyland maingate.
Last time we hired a car and drove to Universal Studios, Legoland, Seaworld (the Shamu show was my personal favourite and one of the most amazing things I have seen), Carlsbad factory outlets, San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Baseball and would recommend them all.

We are stopping off in Anaheim and staying at the Howard Johnson again in April 09 on our way back from a visit to the USA East Coast.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Best Tip I have on Disneyland is:

Get a hold of a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland....and read it well in adavance and you will be amazed, even though you have been there before, at how:

• much more you can achieve in a day (quality & quanatity wise)
• more pleasant and enjoyable you day is

This is one of the most useful travel guides that I have ever read and taken benefit from.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

A few snippets:

• I stayed ina hotel across the carpark from Dineyland (but cannot remember the name). This was a major plus as:
  • Could easily stroll over to enter Disneyland on first opening (ie got in queue early)...and leave at closing to maximise value from the Day ticket
  • PLUS..as we were so close as per one of the many tips in the above book..we waent back to our hotel for lunch anda refereshing dip in our pool. This was cheaper and as per the tip refereshed us allowing us to go back with renewed energy for the afternoon/eveing.....vs the Zombies who tried to stay all day and who look quite jaded later on.
    • As we hada 2 yearold then this was particularlya good thing to do..but with 9/10 year old would be great too.
• Universal Studios was excellent. However if you have done Moviewold and are tight for time you may wish to go elswhere.
• The San Diego Seaworld was great too. Though if you have been to other like US can be missed. The Orca (Killer Whale) show was excellent.
  • The bus trip down was amusing as the bus-driver once he realised we were "ossies" wanted us to spot the Australian Native Plant in the road reserve as we drove down to San Diego. Well as we drove down we observed mile after mile of eucalyptus trees, bottle brushes and several others....On arrival the bus driver said to us "ossies" did we see any Australian plants? Uh..we said...as basically everything was an Australian Native!!!!! Turns out he meant the pig-face which was realtively new and had been introduced to reduce wildfires. The bus driver was completrlu unaware that the other trees and bushes were Auatralian natives and was insistent that they were "Ohmerican" Trees. :shock:

 

[Warks]

Thanks for all the great info, folks. I knew you'd come through! Keep it coming. Excellent stuff.

With the release of the latest Qantas deals I may look at going via LAX rather than doing the side trip from YVR. As originally posted $7500 with Air Canada SYD-YVR but now it's $6300 SYD-LAX for the same dates (and will it fall further?) Either way we have to get YVR-LAX so with the money we save...

My sis and her family live in YVR and are keen to go to Disney so we may have a vehicle if they hire one. I'd leave the driving to the left handers. Although I will be driving in Canada for a couple of weeks so maybe I'll be used to it by then. I never quite get used to it though!

 

[Alanslegal]

Just remember if you do drive in LA - to get access to a GPS. It is priceless IMO given the huge multi-lane highways they have there, even a simple drive from LAX to Anaheim can be tricky!!

In Ananheim I stayed at a *I can't remember* hotel so must have meant it didn't leave any good impression for me to remember - all I know it was a pleasant 7minute walk to the main gates.

As for San Diego - try out Filippi's Pizza Grotto in the Little Italy district. It looks like any small old 'fly in the wall' pizza shop out front, then you walk in and its a mini delicatessan but where is the actual pizza restaurant you start to think? well its hidden in the back and the food is very 'home' style! great service to add. Get in early or else be expected to wait - we saw at least 25 people in queue when we we're leaving.

 

[Timtammi]

We were at Disneyland in Dec/Jan this year so my experience is pretty recent.

We stayed at the Doubletree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort on S Harbor and I would recommend at as a) well located and an easy 5 min walk to disney 2) nice big rooms, good service, well priced 3 - 3.5 star hotel. 3) lots of eateries near by - Denny's opposite (great for brekky!) and a really good steakhouse almost next door.

We also did Seaworld and although I think our Seaworld in QLD is better you cant beat that Shamu show, we certainly dont have killer whales!

I used and would recommend a fantastic little piece of software called Ridemax for Disneyland. www.ridemax.com. Costs about $15 or $20 from memory, you just plug in when you are going, what you want to go on and it plans your day for you, incuding the use of the fastpasses, and planned rest breaks. We really put it to the test going to Disney on one of the busiest days of the year between xmas and new year and it worked a treat with the longest we had to wait for any ride about 20 mins. Well worth the money.

Have fun!

 

[Warks]

Thanks again. This is all excellent information. I'll have to print out these pages and stick them on the wall as a reminder. Still a few months away and I have to watch and wait to see if the airfares for that time are as good as we are seeing now.

 

[Warks]

Well as posted elsewhere I'm glad I waited for the airfares - got the 4 of us to LAX for less than $4000. With the money we saved we can spend on car hire and Fast Passes for Disney!
Have had a look on TripAdvisor at the hotels around Disney - some classic reads when you look at the lowest ratings!

The condition of this “motel” was unacceptable. Like other reviews before me, this is easily the worst “motel” I’ve ever stayed at. Unfortunately we were stuck with this place because we low-balled a Priceline bid. We won’t do that again. I actually wouldn’t let my kids walk on the floor with their bare feet. The bathroom sliding window was open when we arrived and that looked onto some sketchy walk area where you’d expect to find used hypodermic needles and crack pipes. The door looked as if it had been repeatedly pried open with a crowbar. The box spring on one of the beds looked like it had been ripped to shreds by some crazed crack head. On that same bed was a cigarette burn in the sheet the size of a quarter. The beds were rock hard. There was mold in the bathroom shower stall and on the window. But perhaps, this property is really just a secret training facility for people that want to be bums or it’s a top secret lab for biochemists that are looking for new strange and exotic forms of fungi, bacteria, and protozoan life.

• Liked — That I did't die during my stay
• Disliked — That I was scared for my life while I was there.

Wasn't the place we stayed last time but I think I found that one in there.
With the dollar heading north I might look at booking a few things soon.

 

[odysseus]

Which place got that review? I'm guessing/hoping it was 2*.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Anaheim last month, but wasn't that impressed. They're all heavy turnover tourist hotels and the service and facilities weren't up to scratch in my opinion. Worth what I paid (as I got a good deal), but definitely nothing special. It also charges a "resort fee" on top of the room cost. You can kind of tolerate it if you have parking needs since it covers the extra parking cost some hotels charge, but if you don't, I'd be unhappy about it.

For example, it covers a "Business centre" which I decided to try. It's a poky little room with space for 2 computers. One was out of order, and evidently had been for a while, and the other had an old monitor that displayed everything in green. Erk.

Any idea when (what day) you're going to Disneyland and how many days/ California adventure as well?

The other major fun park in the area is Six Flags Magic Mountain. It's further out than Universal/Knott's though, so probably can be disregarded if without a car. Extreme emphasis on roller coasters though - it has over 10 of them!

we can spend on ... Fast Passes for Disney!

You can save there too - they are free as part of the ticket.