Disneyland

[DCJenn]

OK experts, let me have it- the good, the bad, the ugly. I'm thinking I'll be able to talk my husband into two days at Disney and one day at Legoland.

I was imagining that we'd do Disney T/W and Legoland on Thursday. or we could skip Legoland all together.

I'm definitely thinking that we'll stay off the property itself because rooms are really inexpensive at least what's showing on Expedia.

OK- I'm in your hands.

Jenn

I'll leave it to Tara.

Aside from that, I'll put in a good word for the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. I can get the name of a hotel that someone I know really liked. I want to say it was the Carousel Inn. I've also heard good things about the Annabella.

[Thirteen]

When are you going?
Skip Legoland - not worth the drive to SD, nor the money.
Get yourself a park hopper pass (if affordable) for Disneyland/California Adventure.
FastPass the rides with the longest lines first, and plan your "riding day" accordingly.
OR... ride Nemo (newest ride/longest line/no FastPass) first.

Regarding the park: let me know. I'll look into hotel deals also if you'd like

-A

[peggyfromwastate]

I really like Disneyland... The World is great, but there's something Retro feeling about Disneyland that is really cool...

No advice, really, just Disney envy...

[Pollyanna]

Oh Disneyland, our most favorite place on earth!!! If you are staying off property check out HoJo's or the Portifino Inn and Suites (note: I've never stayed at these myself but have heard good things. I think it is an easy walk to Disney from the Portifino (10-15 min) not so much from HoJo's (but HoJo's has a great pool)) Disney if offering some great deals if you stay on property. If it were me I would forego Legoland and use that money to stay on Property (We prefer to do a seperate San Diego trip, Legoland, the zoo, wild animal park, beach, etc.). The Disneyland Hotel is more affordable than the Grand Californian. Paradise Pier is also nice, we've only stayed there a few times but was always pleased. Californian is great for proximity to EVERYTHING and is beautiful but the rooms are MUCH smaller and a third more the price than the Disney hotel. Of course the Californian still has fire alarm issues and the hotel is typically evacuated a few times per year (we've experienced this twice but the cast members are very hush hush about it).

Mid week is a great time to go but summer is crowded no matter how you look at it. The best advice I can give is, don't try to do everything. It's hard to do in the summer and just makes you cranky. Pick out a few things that are really important to you as a family and make them happen. Everything else is just gravy. (Important note for the dude is they have great little potty's at the Infant Care center. Located at the end of main street behind the camera shop on the right as you face the castle. Of course not necessary but fun if you are close when he needs to go.)

Don't sleep in, get to the park BEFORE it opens. They start letting people onto mainstreet before they open the rest of the park. Also, take advantage of your early entrance day (if you get one) it is the best time to do Toon Town and see Mickey. The crowds start picking up around 10am so if you've already been at the park for two hours you can take a break when the first crush of people show up. We like to give the kids a light easy breakfast before we head to the park and then take a break and have a snack in the park around 10. Another option is to head to California Adventure around that time (CA opens a few hours later than the Disney park) Go to Soaring Over California as soon as you hit CA park. Get your FAST Pass then head to Bug's Land with the Dude. They have several small silly rides he will like and it will keep you busy while you wait for your riding time on Soaring. If you can only do one thing in CA do Soaring, it is amazing, still gives me chills.

Check out the Disney site and look at all the different ride options and activities before you hit the park. If you choose to do Legoland I would reccomend 1.5 days at Disney and half a day at California Adventure. Go to Disney for half a day, then head to CA for half a day. Go back to Disney at night see a parade a fireworks then make your plan for your last day.

I know I am leaving out a ton of stuff, this is a basic overview. Just ask me any questions you may have. I'm so excited for you guys. We are just total Disney freaks...can't you tell?

[Gwendolyn]

Great advice! We're headed to the greatest place on earth in a week as well. I haven't been in 15 years and DH hasn't been in longer. I think we are just going to do Disney for one day and then to San Diego for Sea World and the zoo. We aren't going to tell James, just sort of watch him hyperventilate in the parking lot.

I can't wait for more advice

I second the advice for the fast pass (details in the Unofficial Guide) and doing the Nemo ride first thing on one of your early entry days.