Disneyland (LA) and San Diego

[Warks]

And for those who want to ride the Twilight Zone Hollywood Tower of Terror in California Adventure (the other Disneyland park) it closes in November. I think the Orlando one will remain? They were advertising it on radio when I was there a few days ago.

Universal was pushing some pass which gave you 200 days access for $US119 which sounded a pretty good deal to me! Of course there are a LOT of blackout days there and it's probably only for locals. As your kids get older though, Universal appeals much more than Disney.

 

[lopes2017]

I've stayed at both the Howard Johnson and the Camelot Inn and Suites across the road, both were clean and basic hotels, not 5 star by any means, but pretty close to the entrance.
I agree with others above, we broke our days into 2. We got to the gate at "rope drop" got a heap of things done, then bailed at lunch time for a sleep with the kids.
San Diego I've been twice and I am sure to be on the outer but I really didn't like it all that much.

In respects to securing Business Class seats, I am no expert, but I just managed to secure my first ever Business Class ticket BNE-LAX last week. a month ago, when I searched for my date there was only Economy seats available, so I just waited it out and checked every single day twice a day. a week later a Premium Economy seat opened up for my date so I grabbed it. then only last week a Business class opened up so I grabbed it and cancelled the premium ticket. same goes for the return, nothing buy economy then a week later a couple of PE seats come up and I grabbed them, and still I am on the everyday twice daily hunt for the business seat.

I called VA as a WP and asked if there were any available and she assured me there was nothing, but they open up randomly.
for the reference my dates are in mid Jan and early Feb.

Great thanks....

 

[lopes2017]

for a 5 year old, Legoland (Carlsbad near San Diego) would be heaven, I've been twice with my daughters 9 & 6 and then 12 & 9, they liked it the first time around much more, because many of the rides are really aimed at 4-6yr olds in my opinion.
the 2nd time around we only went as it was included in our LA-GO adventure passes.

Thats a great idea. My boy loves Lego. Any recommendations on hotels/resorts 4-5 star?

 

[sausagefingers]

Thats a great idea. My boy loves Lego. Any recommendations on hotels/resorts 4-5 star?

I don't sorry, we did these trips on a budget when it comes to accommodation and I think we stayed at either a Holiday Inn or a Best Western both times.
I should say that the Zoo is brilliant too, we spent an entire day there and all had a great day.

 

[Moindardt]

The Disney hotels are insanely expensive but they have early hours which means you get an hour or two with only the people staying at Disney hotels in the park. Easily do more rides in that time than the rest of the day. If you aren't going to do that then save some serious money and stay down the road. We just stayed again at Disney Grand Californian only cause there was a group of us. Other friends stayed down the road a km from the gates and they paid about $120 a night for a family room. Most are only 3-3.5 star but the price jump is seriously questionable.

 

[lopes2017]

The Disney hotels are insanely expensive but they have early hours which means you get an hour or two with only the people staying at Disney hotels in the park. Easily do more rides in that time than the rest of the day. If you aren't going to do that then save some serious money and stay down the road. We just stayed again at Disney Grand Californian only cause there was a group of us. Other friends stayed down the road a km from the gates and they paid about $120 a night for a family room. Most are only 3-3.5 star but the price jump is seriously questionable.

Thanks. Do you think Disneyland would be suitable for a 5 year old based on your experience?

 

[sausagefingers]

Thanks. Do you think Disneyland would be suitable for a 5 year old based on your experience?

Disneyland is like Disneyland for a 5 year old ;-)

 

[Atleastonce]

We have been to Anaheim Disney about 15 times. I think we have stayed at most hotels along South Harbor boulevard and I think the best western plus park place inn mini suites is the best at the moment. It is directly opposite e entrance to the parks and so convenient. Rooms are average and comfortable but you are there for Disneyland. The free breakfast is better than most hotels that offer free breakfasts in the area. I have not and will not stay at a Disney hotel because of the over pricing and the amount of time spent in the rooms is minimal. A good bed and a hot shower is all you really need to. Disneyland will be perfect for a 5 year old. My kids have been going from when they were younger than 5 and are now going by themselves for holidays.

 

[Jurahn]

Coronado looks like a good suggestion - will check it out. Yes, the joy of traveling with a 5 year old!.

Mr Jurahn and I stayed on Coronado for 5 nights a couple of years ago in February, and we absolutely LOVED it. Really nice beaches and parks, very flat so easy to walk/bike around, a good variety of shops along the main street (including an excellent Vons supermarket and a fantastic ice cream shop - the Moo Time Creamery ). It felt very safe - we often walked around late at night and had no problems at all - it was lovely going down to the jetty and looking out at the lights of San Diego, including the USS Midway which has strings of red, blue and white lights along it at night. There is public transport to/from the island but with a 5-year-old, I assume you'll be hiring a car. Coronado is connected to the mainland by a massively high bridge (has to be that high so the naval ships can go underneath it) so it's quite an experience travelling across that, and it's easy to access San Diego and the surrounding area. There's also a ferry that runs back and forth all day between Coronado to San Diego - it travels right in front of the bows of the Midway and ties up practically alongside it, which is quite neat!

We stayed at the Glorietta Bay Inn - we found after the hustle and bustle of San Diego, and days out visiting the zoo etc, it was such a relief to get back to the peace and quiet of Coronado. We'd go back there in a heartbeat and would love to stay longer next time.

 

[iRobbo]

Can't help with flights, sorry. First time we went when kids were 6 and 8. Arrived 6am, took shuttle to Anaheim, checked into hotel and hit the park until around 7 that night. Repeat for another 4 days although sleeping in til about 9 but staying later.
Agree with staying just outside the park, walking distance is easy, enjoyed the International House of Pancakes (IHOP), plenty of sweet and savoury options for reasonable price and open late.
After 5 days picked up a hire car and drove to San Diego, stopping at Legoland for the day. As has being said before, great for the younger kids. Can't remember where we stayed but nowhere flash, we were there to do things and were never going to spend a long time in the hotels.
More votes for the zoo and SeaWorld. Had a great time at both. We took a tour to Tijuana but I can't really recommend that, not our thing as it turns out. Also toured the Midway, highly recommend if you are into that sort of thing.
We then drove to Las Vegas and did the Grand Canyon, followed by a return car trip to LAX to drop off the car and catch the flight home.
Busy trip but one of my favourites, great memories.
We still go to Disney parks (kids now 15,17) and still have a great time. The visits are shorter and different but the first time is definitely a highlight.

 

[Quickstatus]

5 year old will tire quickly
Also many ride are height restricted

Suggest with 5 year old - research what rides are height restricted
Do the morning
Sleep in arvo therefore need hotels which are close. therefore not disney hotels.
Go back in the evening for night shows and fireworks.